Specific Requirements and Regulations for Dogs at the Erris Agricultural Show

In Ireland, the control and ownership of dogs at public events, including agricultural shows, are governed principally by the Control of Dogs Act 1986 and its subsequent amendments. All dog owners attending the show must comply with the relevant legal requirements concerning licensing, identification, and breed-specific restrictions.

 

Licensing and Identification

  • All dogs over four months of age must hold a valid dog licence. Failure to produce a licence on request may result in a fine of up to €150, with higher penalties possible upon prosecution.
  • Dogs must wear a collar or harness bearing the owner’s name and address, either inscribed directly on the collar or harness or displayed on an attached tag. Failure to comply may result in a €200 fine.
  • Microchipping is mandatory for all dogs, and they must be registered on a government-approved database. Owners should retain the microchipping certificate as proof of compliance.

 

Breed-Specific Regulations

Certain breeds are classified as restricted under Irish law and are subject to additional controls in public spaces. These breeds include:

 

  1. American Pit Bull Terrier
  2. English Bull Terrier
  3. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
  4. Bull Mastiff
  5. Dobermann Pinscher
  6. German Shepherd (Alsatian)
  7. Rhodesian Ridgeback
  8. Rottweiler
  9. Japanese Akita
  10. Japanese Tosa
 

 

Public Safety Requirements

Restricted breeds must, while in public:

  • Be securely muzzled.
  • Be kept on a strong lead no longer than 2 metres.
  • Be handled by a person over 16 years of age who is capable of controlling the dog.
  • Wear a collar displaying the owner’s name and address.

 

XL Bully Restriction

As of 1 October 2024, Ireland introduced a ban on XL Bully dogs, prohibiting their importation, breeding, sale, and rehoming. From 1 February 2025, ownership of an XL Bully without a Certificate of Exemption is illegal. The Erris Agricultural Show does not host competitions for this breed, and XL Bully dogs are therefore not permitted at the show.

 

Relevant Legislation