Dog Licences

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 September 2015

Tuesday, 22 September 2015

Questions (1447)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

1447. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if possession of a dog licence alone is considered proof of ownership of a dog. [31312/15]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

Section 1 of the Control of Dogs Act 1986 provides that the owner of a dog includes the occupier of a premises where the dog is kept or permitted to live or remain at any particular time unless the occupier proves to the contrary. Section 2 of the Act provides, however, that any person who keeps or is in possession of a dog must be in possession of a valid dog licence. Accordingly, the possession of a dog licence alone might not be considered as proof of ownership a dog in all instances.