Council planning dog-free spaces for those in fear of mutts

Creating dog-free parks to accommodate people frightened of dogs and extending the beach dog ban are among the ideas being considered in a review of the dog control bylaws.

The Environment and Climate Change Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) of Galway City Council is currently examining the bylaws enacted in 2008.

These bylaws banned dogs from city beaches between 9am and 8pm from May to September and imposed fines of a maximum of €1,900 and up to three months in jail on conviction in court or a fine of €32 for breaches.

Members of the public will have the chance to make submissions to change the bylaws once a draft of the new regulations are published.

SPC chairperson Councillor Martina O’Connor said councillors and other non-elected members of the committee were invited to make their submissions by last week, which will be taken into account when the draft bylaws are drawn up by Council staff and later go on display for public consultation.

“There have been requests to review the length of time dogs are banned for as there is now bathing all year round rather than just for summer.

“Others feel it would be a waste of time as the bylaws are largely ignored,” she revealed.

“We have also had suggestions from people representing Autism groups to make some of the parks or amenity areas known as dog free parks because there are children and people who are generally frightened of dogs. But that wouldn’t be across all parks, maybe one or two of the larger parks.”

The Deputy Mayor told the Galway City Tribune that making a cornered area of some parks free for dogs to roam is another idea that may be up for consideration.

“That might involve fencing off a quarter-acre of a large park complex like Doughiska or Westside and letting the dogs loose, which is quite common around the world especially in cities, as it’s recognised to be good for the dogs.

“It’s something that might need to be facilitated in new amenities rather than going back to current facilities but all these things are up for discussion.”

The Green Party Councillor from the Galway City Central Ward was not aware if any fines had been issued for ignoring the bylaws and bringing dogs onto the beach during the summer.

After public submissions are considered, the final draft document will be put before the full council for review and adoption later this year.