asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of the grave disquiet in rural and urban areas of the country at the number of dogs, many of which are uncontrolled; and the action he intends to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Uncontrolled Dogs.
7.
I am aware that, in rural areas, uncontrolled dogs cause much anxiety to sheep farmers and the Garda will, of course, continue to prosecute for offences under the Dogs Acts wherever they have evidence to warrant prosecutions.
Under the Dogs Act, 1906, the Garda are empowered to seize stray dogs. In the Dublin Metropolitan Area, however, stray dogs are dealt with by the Dublin Branch of the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals who receive an annual grant from the Garda Vote for relieving the Garda of the task. The society has been in receipt of this grant since about 1909 and last year I succeeded in having the amount of the grant increased from £1,000 to £2,000. In so far as the rest of the country is concerned, the Deputy will appreciate that the Garda are not in a position to undertake the seizure of stray dogs on an extended or intensive scale.
The problem of stray dogs is one which has been considered in my Department and in other Departments and it has been suggested that local authorities might be empowered to exercise functions in relation to stray dogs should the occasion for so empowering them present itself in the context of future legislation.
Have the Government made any decision on a report put before them by a concerned society some time ago on the menace of the uncontrolled dog?
The report that was put before the Government was a report from the society in question. It proposed certain changes in the legislation relating to the problem and proposed certain structures for dealing with it. These are still under examination and no decision has been made yet.
Can the Minister say roughly when a decision will be made?
It is difficult to say because it involves consultations on a pretty wide scale, not merely with Government Departments but with local authorities as well.
What authority have the Garda to destroy dogs in rural areas?
I understand that their authority is the Dogs Act, 1906. I am speaking from recollection and subject to correction but I think that under that they can seize stray dogs and if they are not claimed within a certain time they can be destroyed.
In view of the losses incurred by sheepowners, would the Minister say whether legislation will be introduced which would bring within the Malicious Damages Act losses so incurred?
The Deputy is introducing new matter.
Am I to understand from the Minister's reply that it is proposed to introduce legislation under which the local authorities would be more involved?
No, there are no hard and fast proposals on this. This was a part of the plan which was put up to the Government by this society but no decision has been taken on the plan yet.
Can we expect a decision before long?
As I have indicated, this would involve fairly radical reorganisation of the whole scheme of dealing with stray dogs and it involves a lot of consultation. I am unable to give a date.