Trevor Sargent
Question:190 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will embark on a national neutering and microchipping programme for abandoned dogs as sought by the ISPCA. [24095/02]
Written Answers. - Canine Neutering Programme.
While my Department allocated a grant of €10,000 to Veterinary Ireland towards the cost of their national spay week initiative which took place during world animal week, 30 September to 6 October, it is not intended to embark on a national neutering programme for abandoned dogs.
Regarding identification of dogs, the Control of Dogs Regulations, 1998, requires the owner or other person in charge of a dog to ensure that the dog shall at all times wear a collar bearing the name and address of the owner inscribed thereon, on a plate, badge or disc attached thereto. The regulations contain penalties for non-compliance with this requirement or for defacing or rendering illegible the particulars described above.
These arrangements are of recent standing and follow a close consideration of all practicable options for ensuring identification of dogs, including that of micro-chipping. There is accordingly no proposal at present to alter them.