Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine to discuss dangerous dog breeds and sheep worrying

The meeting will be split into two sessions to hear from Ms Nanci Creedon, Canine Behaviour Expert, followed by officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and from the Department of Rural and Community Development.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Jackie Cahill said: “Recent incidents involving attacks by dangerous dog breeds, including the terrible attack which left a young boy in Co Wexford with life-changing injuries, are a matter of considerable public concern. There is similar concern in rural Ireland at the number of dog attacks on sheep, including several shocking recent incidents in Co Tipperary, which are having a traumatic effect on farming families and leaving sheep killed and maimed.

“This examination of both issues is part of the Committee’s continued focus on animal welfare. Members look forward to hearing from Ms Creedon as an expert on canine behaviour on the matter of what are termed dangerous dog breeds and from both departments on the current legislative position and the implementation of existing laws.”

The Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine has 14 Members, nine from the Dáil and five from the Seanad.

The meeting in Committee Room 3 can be viewed live on Oireachtas TV.

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.