asked the Minister for the Environment if he will consider the appointment of dog wardens in urban areas in order to control the many stray dogs roaming the streets; and if he has any estimate of the number of unlicensed dogs in the country.
Written Answers. - Unlicensed Dogs.
398.
I have no functions in regard to the control of dog numbers, and no information as to estimated numbers of unlicensed dogs. As I stated in reply to a question on 21 February, the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1976 empowers planning authorities to provide shelters for stray or unwanted dogs and cats and to assist bodies providing such facilities. A scheme of grants to assist local authorities to defray the costs of approved projects has now been worked out in agreement with the ISPCA and has been notified to the local authorities. It is now open to the local authorities to avail of the scheme and in this way they can make an important contribution to dealing with the stray dogs' problem.