Vol. 445 No. 6
237 Mrs. Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment if any amendments are being considered for the Control of Dogs (Amendment) Bill, 1991; his views on whether the law is operating successfully; whether the law is being enforced; the number of prosecutions which have been taken; the outcome of any such prosecutions; whether he has satisfied himself with the muzzling procedure and the breeds to which it applies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [275/94]
Details of the number of prosecutions, and the outcome thereof, over the period 1987 to 1992 are published in the Environment Bulletin, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library. A copy of the bulletin with relevant details for 1993 will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible following publication.
I am satisfied that the Control of Dogs (Amendment) Act, 1992, contains the provisions necessary for effective dog control measures but there is room for considerable improvement in compliance and enforcement. I will be making regulations under the Act as soon as possible to deal with muzzling and other aspects of dog control in the light of experience over the past three years.
