Vol. 564 No. 1
125 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will introduce a national dog identification scheme to combat the incidence of attacks on sheep by stray dogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3881/03]
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. These arrangements are of recent standing and follow a close consideration of all practicable options for ensuring identification of dogs. There is accordingly no proposal at present to alter them.
