Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 September 2020
1483. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Community and Rural Development and the Islands the responsibilities local authorities have in relation to the implementation of Control of Dogs Act 1986, the Control of Dogs (Amendment) Act 1992 and the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. [22342/20]
View answerUnder the Control of Dogs Act 1986, as amended by the Control of Dogs (Amendment) Act 1992, local authorities are responsible for all operational matters relating to the control of dogs. They have the power to appoint dog wardens, provide dog shelters, seize dogs, impose on-the-spot fines and take court proceedings against owners, where appropriate.
Local authorities may enter into agreements with each other to provide dog wardens and dog shelters. Under the Acts, local authorities may also enter into agreements with the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA), or a person or organisation connected with animal welfare to provide these services.
Accordingly, as all operational matters relating to the Control of Dogs Acts are matters solely for each local authority, it is a matter for each local authority to ensure the enforcement of all relevant legislation in a fair and consistent manner.
Implementation of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, is a matter for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
