Few convictions after less than a fifth of fined dog owners pay up

Figures from the Department of the Environment show that 858 out of 4,849 dog owners who were given an on-the-spot fine paid up.

Under the Control of Dogs Acts 1986 and 1992, dog owners are liable to a fine of €100 for not holding a dog license and €150 for not cleaning up after dog fouls.

Other, more serious, breaches of the Acts can carry a fine of up to €2,500 and/or a prison term of up to three months.

According to the Department, non-payment of fines led to 411 prosecutions in 2015, of which only 107 resulted in convictions.

Almost half of all fines for breaches of dog control legislation were issued by dog wardens in the Cork County Council area.