asked the Minister for Agriculture the plans, if any, to increase the fines under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act, 1960 in view of the threat to the sheep industry from stray dogs.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Stray Dogs.
16.
As a result of legislation enacted last year the maximum penalties for offences under the Dogs Order, 1966 made under the Diseases of Animals Act, 1966 have in fact been substantially increased, and may now amount to as much as £1,000 or one year's imprisonment or both.
For this reason I have no plans at present ot increase the level of fines under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act, 1960, but I am keeping the position under review.
Livestock owners may, of course, also take action for damages against the dog owners concerned for injuries caused to their livestock by marauding dogs.
Would the Minister agree that the threat posed by stray and uncontrolled dogs is a very serious one, that millions of pounds worth of sheep are killed each year as a result of marauding dogs? Would the Minister agree to give greater publicity to the provisions of this legislation with a view to getting people who have dogs to control them properly?
At this time each year the Department issue a widespread appeal to dog owners, through the news media, about the necessity for keeping dogs under proper control, especially at lambing time. This year the media appear to be giving the matter increased publicity.
Is the Minister aware that when the present Taoiseach was Minister for Justice a Bill was passed in this House making it obligatory on dog owners to ensure that all dogs had a collar with an identification tag, that that law is not being enforced and, even if a farmer catches a dog at present, he has no way of identifying it? Would the Minister not ensure that that law is enforced because it is not being enforced at present in any county?
I will bring that matter to the notice of the Minister for Justice.
Does the Minister not think that that law should be enforced immediately?
Yes.