Kerry’s dog control statistics show only one-third of fines paid

By Alastair Tibbs, The Kerryman

Figures show Kerry County Council has only received payment for one-third of dog fines issued, as a councillor calls for more innovative solutions to fouling problems.

The council’s conviction rate was also one of the lowest in the country, successfully gaining a conviction in under a quarter of cases brought before court.

Councillor Aoife Kennelly previously asked Kerry County Council to examine the feasibility of introducing a dog DNA database, citing the difficulties with current legislation.

Similar to other littering offences, a dog-fouling fine can only be issued when the dog’s owner was witnessed as the fouling happened and the owner is identified by the witness who testifies that the owner left without picking up the dog’s waste.

Dog control statistics show Kerry County Council issued 180 on-the-spot fines between 2022 and 2024, with only 55 being paid, constituting a 31pc payment rate.

The council also brought 36 prosecutions under the Control of Dogs Act in the same period, achieving a successful conviction in eight cases.

While only 12 councils across the country attempted prosecutions, Kerry’s 22pc conviction rate put it fifth from the bottom in terms of success.

Councillor Aoife Kennelly said the figures illustrated the difficulty of progressing cases with the current legislation and urged the government to do more to tackle the issue.

“The statistics highlight how challenging enforcement can be under the Dog Control Act,” she said.

“From start to finish, these cases are often difficult to progress, beginning with identifying and catching a dog in the act, issuing fines or initiating proceedings, and ultimately securing either payment or a successful conviction. Each stage has practical and legal hurdles.”

“While enforcement is complex, it is clear we need to be doing more. Dog fouling and irresponsible ownership not only spoil the appearance of Kerry, but they also pose very real public health risks, particularly for children and vulnerable members of our community.”

Leitrim County Council previously ran a pilot dog DNA database in 2021 in an effort to track pet owners who do not clean up after their animals.

The Leitrim Animal Warden took saliva swaps from the county’s canines, allowing the council to sample fouling and match the DNA to the offending dog.

While scheme was said to be successful in proving the concept, it suggested a national effort was required to really tackle the issue.

Cllr Kennelly’s recent call for Kerry’s own pilot was scuttled by Kerry County Council who also argued it must be rolled out nationally.

Director of Corporate Services, Martin O’Donoghue, said there was a “significant” number of dogs not licenced in the county and that any measures would fail to address those individuals.

The council also pointed out that the county accommodates a significant number of visitors who bring dogs into the area on a temporary basis, meaning the database would have “limited effectiveness”.

Cllr Kennelly told The Kerryman her motion was brought forward because she believed authorities need to explore “stronger and more innovative deterrents”.

Prevention must be a key focus alongside enforcement if we are serious about protecting our towns, villages and rural areas,” she said.

“I'll continue to push for a DNA database nationally.”