asked the Minister for Local Government when it is proposed to introduce legislation to give local authorities power to deal with the problem of stray and unwanted dogs.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Stray Dogs.
96.
The responsibility for dealing with the problem of stray and unwanted dogs does not rest with my Department. Local authorities have not this responsibility either. However, if the permissive powers of local authorities were extended on the basis indicated in the Discussion Document on Local Government Re-organisation, these extended powers could possibly be such, subject to consultation with the Departments of Justice and Agriculture and Fisheries, as would enable local authorities to exercise functions in this field. I am not at present in a position to say when legislation in relation to local authorities powers may be introduced.