Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 May 2024
666. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the steps being taken to address concerns regarding an apparent increase in the number of livestock being attacked and killed by dogs; if her Department is funding any awareness campaigns on this matter; and, if so, the costs involved to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22612/24]
View answerI believe it is important for dog owners to be aware of their responsibilities - not just to the general public but also to their dogs. For this reason, I launched a major national awareness campaign to alert dog owners to their responsibilities and to raise awareness of the dangers that can be posed to people and to livestock by uncontrolled dogs.
The campaign is still running with some invoices outstanding at the time of reply. I can tell the Deputy that an overall budget of €414,661 has been allocated to ensure the campaign has as wide a reach as possible.
In addition, I announced the establishment of a high level stakeholder group to consider and make recommendations to strengthen policy in relation to these issues. I have appointed John Twomey as Chair of the stakeholder group, which comprises members with a broad range of expertise.
The group have been tasked with considering the policy and legislative matters under the remit of my Department, specifically the Dog Control Acts and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act. I look forward to receiving the recommendations of the group in due course.
I am committed to improving outcomes in relation to Dog Control in Ireland and in this context, I increased ‘on-the-spot’ fines for offences under the Control of Dogs Act, including trebling the fines for most serious offences from €100 to €300. Multiple fines can be issued where more than one offence occurs.
Finally, in addition to these measures, I also announced the establishment of a €2 million fund under a new Dog Control Support Initiative. This funding comes as a direct response to increased pressures on dog control services and will make immediate and tangible improvements to the dog control service across the country.
