I propose to take Questions Nos. 553 to 555, inclusive, together.
Each year, my Department publishes statistics in respect of a range of dog control responsibilities of local authorities, including the statistics sought in the Questions under reply. Information up to 2013 is available on the Publications page of my Department’s website at http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/LocalGovernment/DogControl/.
My Department will shortly be compiling local authority statistics in respect of 201 4. Once received and verified, they will be published. Animal health and welfare policy is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, the provisions of which apply to all animals including those in dog pounds.