Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 May 1994

Vol. 442 No. 8

Ceisteanna—Questions. Written Answers. - Control of Dogs.

Tony Gregory

Question:

16 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice the action the gardaí at Store Street, Dublin 1, are taking following the savaging to death of a pet dog by four pit bull terriers at the premises of a company (details supplied) in Dublin 1 on 8 May 1994, after they dragged the dog in under the gate; if these dogs will be removed or chained down and a proper gate provided to prevent any such recurrence particularly in view of the many small children who play in the areas from the Sheriff Street Flats across the street; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn)

The Control of Dogs Act, 1986 (No. 32 of 1986) provides for the licensing and control of dogs and related matters. The Control of Dogs Act, 1986 (Guard Dogs) Regulations, 1988 were made by the Minister for the Environment pursuant to that Act to provide for the regulation of the use of guard dogs in the course of business.

Primary responsibility for the enforcement of this legislation, including the taking of prosecutions, is the responsibility of the local authority in whose area an offence is committed.

Section 15 of the Control of Dogs Act, 1986 provides that every local authority shall employ one or more persons to be dog wardens for the purposes of the Act.

In the particular case referred to by the Deputy, I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the dog warden authority has been notified of the incident.