Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 20 Jun 1991

Vol. 410 No. 1

Adjournment Debate. - Importation of Dangerous Dogs.

Mr. J. Mitchell

The House will be aware that the Minister for the Environment has recently issued regulations restricting the freedom of a number of breeds of dangerous dogs, or some would say a number of breeds which are alleged to be dangerous, in the aftermath of an incident in the United Kingdom which led to changes in the regulations there and proposed changes in law of the United Kingdom.

The House will agree with one voice that we cannot expose citizens to attack from dangerous dogs and that it is only proper that certain restrictions be imposed on the breeding, control and ownership of truly dangerous dogs. However, it is a pity that the Minister for the Environment and other relevant Ministers have not seen fit to agree to consult with the interests concerned, including the Irish Kennel Club and representatives of the campaign against muzzling, and consider the very valid points presented by a great many responsible dog owners who are genuinely concerned that all embracing ministerial regulations will, in fact, lead to cruelty to some harmless animals.

In the course of this debate we have seen advertisements in the newspapers for the sale of timber wolves as pets and guard dogs under the heading "Timber Wolves for Sale". I would like the Minister to say how dangerous timber wolves are or indeed how dangerous are halfbred timber wolves. I understand that the dogs in question are a cross between the timber wolves and the German shepherd. The House will already know that the German shepherd is among those listed as dangerous by the Minister for the Environment although some people think that is unfair to the German shepherd. How dangerous are timber wolves? What steps are open to the Minister to prevent the importation and breeding of timber wolves or even half breeds, and what steps have been taken to control the importation and breeding of these wolves. Have the Government any intention of adopting, extending or amending the regulations recently issued in this respect?

I know we have certain controls in relation to the importation of dogs from outside these islands, but what are the arrangements regarding dogs imported from the UK, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands? Have any discussions taken place with the British authorities in relation to timber wolves or halfbreeds of the timber wolf?

While I am on my feet I would like to say that this issue highlights the fact that a great number of dogs, especially of the half-breed variety, can be added to the list of potentially dangerous dogs. I would like to put it to the Minister that the regulations he brought out in the last two weeks, while dealing speedily with the situation, may be in need of expansion and amendment. I ask the Minister if he will now agree to meeting a deputation from the interested parties, the Irish Kennel Club who are known as a responsible club, and the Campaign Against Muzzling, who are very concerned that the regulations by being too "catch-all" will be ineffective and will penalise only responsible owners and will be ignored by those irresponsible owners whose dogs are the greatest danger to the public?

Minister of State at the Department of Justice (Mr. N. Treacy)

The purpose of the licensing system operated by the Department of Agriculture and Food is to prevent the introduction of rabies and to this end all dogs and cats being imported from countries other than the UK must as part of the licensing arrangement undergo six months quarantine at the approved quarantine station near Dublin Airport. While in quarantine the animals are inoculated against rabies and closely monitored before release to their owners. In this fashion, and with full co-operation from Customs and other agencies, we have kept Ireland free from rabies since 1903.

The issue raised by Deputy Mitchell relates to the possible dangers to the public from cross-breeding of German Shepherd dogs. While this matter does not fall within the ambit of the Department of Agriculture and Food's licensing system, I can nevertheless appreciate the concern. On that account the Department of Agriculture and Food maintain close contact with the Department of the Environment and the Garda Síochána about potential imports that might possibly pose a danger. Currently there are 26 dogs in quarantine of which only two are German Sheperds, both being purebred specimens of that breed. I might add that a licence has issued recently permitting the importation through quarantine of a Shepherd cross from the USA. While this dog has yet to arrive, the papers supporting the licence application, which include veterinary certification and a declaration authenticated by a notary public indicate that the dog is a family pet travelling with its owner who wishes to live in Ireland. Indeed, the vast majority of imports fall into this category.

It is appropriate to mention that dogs of specified breeds are subject to the recent controls introduced by our colleague, the Minister for the Environment, regardless as to whether they have been imported. As the House will be aware, the Minister for the Environment also intends to introduce further legislation in this area. I think this is the appropriate way to proceed, in so far as dogs are concerned, as the powers of the Department of Agriculture and Food relate only to the prevention of disease.

Finally, I should add that some Shepherd crosses were imported here in 1988 and 1989. Expert opinion is that crossing German Shepherds with wolves leads to a more docile dog. Subsequently media reports indicated that these may have been the progeny of dogs crossed with wolves. The expert advice is that such practice does not increase a dog's ferocity but is rather designed to prevent problems that can arise due to in-breeding in German Shepherds.

I hope this information is of assistance to Deputy Mitchell in appraising the position appertaining to dogs and cross-bred dogs in this country. I am sure he will acknowledge the very strict controls the Department of Agriculture and Food operate and the great success rates they have in preventing rabies and other diseases. I am sure he will appreciate also the very positive attitude adopted by and the very expedient manner in which the Minister for the Environment, Deputy Flynn, brought in the necessary regulations to ensure that these dangerous animals are not a scourge to the ordinary people of the community.

Mr. J. Mitchell

Can the Minister tell the House how many half-breed wolves are in the country?

Mr. N. Treacy

I have not got that statistical information available. I would guess that we would not have very many, but if the Deputy has any problems in that regard he should table a question.