The House will be aware that the Minister for the Environment has recently issued regulations restricting the freedom of a number of breeds of dangerous dogs, or some would say a number of breeds which are alleged to be dangerous, in the aftermath of an incident in the United Kingdom which led to changes in the regulations there and proposed changes in law of the United Kingdom.
The House will agree with one voice that we cannot expose citizens to attack from dangerous dogs and that it is only proper that certain restrictions be imposed on the breeding, control and ownership of truly dangerous dogs. However, it is a pity that the Minister for the Environment and other relevant Ministers have not seen fit to agree to consult with the interests concerned, including the Irish Kennel Club and representatives of the campaign against muzzling, and consider the very valid points presented by a great many responsible dog owners who are genuinely concerned that all embracing ministerial regulations will, in fact, lead to cruelty to some harmless animals.
In the course of this debate we have seen advertisements in the newspapers for the sale of timber wolves as pets and guard dogs under the heading "Timber Wolves for Sale". I would like the Minister to say how dangerous timber wolves are or indeed how dangerous are halfbred timber wolves. I understand that the dogs in question are a cross between the timber wolves and the German shepherd. The House will already know that the German shepherd is among those listed as dangerous by the Minister for the Environment although some people think that is unfair to the German shepherd. How dangerous are timber wolves? What steps are open to the Minister to prevent the importation and breeding of timber wolves or even half breeds, and what steps have been taken to control the importation and breeding of these wolves. Have the Government any intention of adopting, extending or amending the regulations recently issued in this respect?
I know we have certain controls in relation to the importation of dogs from outside these islands, but what are the arrangements regarding dogs imported from the UK, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands? Have any discussions taken place with the British authorities in relation to timber wolves or halfbreeds of the timber wolf?
While I am on my feet I would like to say that this issue highlights the fact that a great number of dogs, especially of the half-breed variety, can be added to the list of potentially dangerous dogs. I would like to put it to the Minister that the regulations he brought out in the last two weeks, while dealing speedily with the situation, may be in need of expansion and amendment. I ask the Minister if he will now agree to meeting a deputation from the interested parties, the Irish Kennel Club who are known as a responsible club, and the Campaign Against Muzzling, who are very concerned that the regulations by being too "catch-all" will be ineffective and will penalise only responsible owners and will be ignored by those irresponsible owners whose dogs are the greatest danger to the public?