Vol. 482 No. 6
313 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will make an annual subvention to the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to make up their financial shortfall subject to a satisfactory programme of activities agreed with his Department. [18494/97]
The Dog Control Act, 1986, placed statutory responsibility for dog control on the main local authorities, who may, under the Act, make arrangements for the exercise of their functions with the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or with a person connected with animal welfare. Local authorities fund their dog control operations mainly from their own resources and from the proceeds of dog licences.
Under the Act, grants may be paid towards the expenses of a local authority or to any person concerned with the provision of homes or shelters for stray or unwanted dogs or with the welfare of dogs.
The limited funds at my disposal for dog control, however, do not enable me to provide financial assistance to local authorities or bodies such as the one referred to by the Deputy.
