Vol. 501 No. 4
37 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the estimated dog population; the number of dogs licensed in 1998; the number of dog wardens employed by local authorities; the plans, if any, he has to amend or strengthen the Control of Dogs Acts, 1986 and 1992 and any regulations made under the Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6153/99]
There is no reliable data available on the existing dog population in Ireland. A survey conducted some years ago indicated an approximate level of ownership of one in five persons, which would suggest a dog population of 750,000 approximately.
In 1997, the latest year for which statistics are available, a total of 166,389 dog licences and 206 general dog licences were issued. Thirty five full-time and 27 part-time dog wardens were employed by local authorities in 1997.
The Control of Dogs (Amendment) Act, 1992, together with revised and consolidated regulations, were brought into effect on 1 February 1999. The increase in dog licence fees provided for in the Act will increase revenue to local authorities to fund their dog control activities and should lead to improved levels of enforcement. My Department will monitor progress in this regard. I have no proposals at present for additional or amended dog control legislation.
