Clare’s newly-appointed Seasonal Dog Warden says she’ll strive to make the county’s beaches safe spaces for all this summer.
The local authority has bolstered its beach patrols for the summer bathing season in order to combat issues such as dog fouling and dog attacks.
With the summer bathing season now well underway, Clare County Council has vowed to take a dogged approach to beach safety.
From May 15th up to September 15th, a host of beaches across the county are monitored for dog control.
The monitored areas are Ballyalla Lake, Ballycuggeran, Killaloe, Bishopsquarter, Brew’s Bridge, Cappagh, Carrigaholt, Doolin, Fanore, Kilkee, Lahinch, Mountshannon, Querrin Pier, Quilty, Seafield, Spanish Point, Trá Leathan, White Strand Doonbeg and White Strand Miltown Malbay.
To facillitate these patrols, Annette Kenny has been appointed as Seasonal Dog Warden for the county.
She says her role isn’t to prevent people from enjoying the summer months with their canine companions but to ensure everyone feels safe and secure when visiting the county’s waterways.
Beach bye-laws restrict dogs from being on beaches from 11am to 6pm throughout the bathing season.
Long-serving Clare County Dog Warden Frankie Coote insists this is necessary as violent incidents have taken place in the past.
He says stern consequences will face those who fail to rein in their pets.
You can listen to the full interview here: