Council restrictions 'intolerant' of dogs and their owners

AN ESTIMATED crowd of 700 gathered in Killiney yesterday to voice concerns over what are seen as “anti-dog” regulations on coastal beaches and parks across Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown.

There was standing room only in the ballroom of Fitzpatrick’s Castle Hotel as a range of dog lovers, including members of the local council, local vets and behavioural analyst Jim Stephens, said current regulations were “intolerant” of both dog lovers and their animals.

Such were the numbers that there was traffic congestion on surrounding roads, while hotel staff who called for vehicles to be moved said guests were unable to leave the hotel grounds for a time.

Dogs Unleashed, the campaign group which organised the meeting, said current regulations required dogs to be kept on a leash in all public parks with the exception of “dog pens” in Marlay (Rathfarnham); Deerpark (Mount Merrion); Cabinteely; and Shanganagh.

Dogs are banned from all beaches during the summer months of June to September from 10am to 7pm. Outside those times and throughout the rest of the year dogs must be on a leash at all times.

The penalty for breaking the rules is an on-the-spot fine of €150.

Members of Dogs Unleashed said the restrictions had been made from about 2003 to 2009, but it was not until last year that they became aware of the scope of these restrictions.

One audience member said dog lovers were also facing separate restrictions in Dún Laoghaire Harbour.

She further claimed to have been told by harbour police that she was liable to be arrested if she allowed her pet to run free on the East Pier.

Another woman complained that the future of dog-walking on Killiney Hill was uncertain.

It had been designated an area where dogs could run without a leash, but this was subject to a review.

She said the current position was that the review was suspended, but many people, especially the elderly, were confused and upset by the uncertainty.

Another woman who said she was a regular swimmer told the meeting she had never been prevented from going into the water or emerging from the water by a dog.

She suggested those who claimed dogs were dangerous in this regard were not regular swimmers.

Behavioural analyst Jim Stephens said putting a fence around a piece of grass did not make a playground, nor did the same move create an area for dogs.

Dogs, like owners, needed to get out and socialise, he said.

The strategy of “pushing dog owners away” was intolerant, he added.

Dogs Unleashed member Mike Duffy said Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown county manager Owen Keegan declined an invite to the meeting.

To murmurs of disapproval, he quoted from a reply in which he said Mr Keegan claimed it would be “inappropriate” for him or any of his staff to attend the meeting.

Mr Duffy said Mr Keegan had referred those concerned to a public consultation process on dog regulations currently under way at the council.

Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council John Bailey said he supported the campaign’s aims.

However, he added that there was a public consultation under way, and that the process should be followed.