Control of Dogs

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 May 2017

Tuesday, 2 May 2017

Ceisteanna (485)

John McGuinness

Ceist:

485. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will make available the written submissions made to his Department by organisations (details supplied) and other submissions received relative to the consultation process relating to the Control of Dogs Regulations 1998; if he will initiate an independent review of all existing legislation and regulations relative to the control of dogs and the Act of 1986; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20163/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government

I am satisfied that the specific control requirements for listed breeds provide a balanced and workable arrangement which recognises the rights of dog owners, respects animal welfare to the extent possible, while also taking account of the needs of society to be protected from dogs with a significant capability to inflict very serious injury, or cause death.

I have no plans to amend the Control of Dogs Acts 1986 to 2010 in respect of these matters.

Given the passage of time since the 1998 Regulations were made, I do not intend to make individual written submissions in the matter publicly available.