Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Question:72. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to encourage responsible dog ownership. [8245/24]
View answerThursday, 22 February 2024
Questions (72)
Written answers
I am fully committed to promoting responsible dog ownership among the general public.
The Animal Welfare Strategy 2021-2025 Working Together for Animal Welfare includes a commitment to establish an Advisory Council on Companion Animal Welfare. The Council convened in November 2021 with members having a diverse range of skill sets, so that it can advise me on matters relating to companion animals including canines.
Independent members with a range of expertise and experience have been appointed, including members from Veterinary Ireland, UCD, the ISPCA, the DSPCA, the Dogs Trust and others. This Council therefore is a critical stakeholder grouping which assists the Department and advises me in prioritising and advancing policy initiatives relating to companion animals.
My Department is working with the Council to promote responsible dog ownership. Responsible dog ownership is about educating people on the many considerations in getting a dog, keeping and managing a dog appropriately and breeding healthy dogs.
An example of the work of the Council was in the development of the Department’s approach to the animal welfare issue posed by brachycephalic (flat-faced) dog breeds.
These breeds have a high risk of health and welfare issues, including difficulty breathing, eye disease, spinal problems and skin infections. Many of these dogs require surgery to improve their quality of life. The Council advised that the use of images of brachycephalic dog breeds in advertising, marketing and news media has contributed to increasing demand for brachycephalic dogs in this country. An open letter was therefore issued by the Department on behalf of the Council to media and advertising organisations, requesting that the refrain from unnecessary use of images of these dogs in publications, on merchandise or for product endorsement.
Last year, with Minister Humphrey’s Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD), I established a working group on dog control. The group has produced a report which was approved by Cabinet and subsequently published.
This report contains a number of recommendations relating to the control of dogs. One of the key recommendations is the implementation of a media campaign, in collaboration with stakeholders and the Advisory Council on Companion Animal Welfare, to encourage responsible dog ownership
My officials are also working with officials in Minister Humphrey’s Department in relation to responsible dog ownership, to coordinate across government on this subject. Resulting from this collaboration, in December last year, following consultation with charities and stakeholders my Department and DRCD launched a responsible dog ownership leaflet. This has been distributed widely and is available in electronic form online at www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/1a517-responsible-dog-ownership/. We expect to carry out further initiatives to encourage responsible dog ownership in 2024.
Also in December, 2023, I announced record funding of almost €6 million to 101 animal welfare organisations with an increased focus on rewarding animal welfare charities engaged in educating and raising awareness among the public on responsible pet ownership.
The funding recognises the importance of education and dissemination of knowledge to improve animal welfare. Imparting knowledge on animal welfare plays a crucial role in improving standards nationally.
Question No. 73 answered with Question No. 48.