Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 February 2024
666. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she is undertaking a review of the controls on dangerous dogs; the terms of reference, and the date on which consultations close; and whether she will examine regimes for control and enforcement in other countries so that best practice models can be considered. [9284/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has policy responsibility for the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 and the Control of Dogs Acts 1986 to 2014.
My officials are reviewing the existing legislative provisions under the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 and the Control of Dogs Acts 1986 to 2014, taking account of recommendations from, inter alia, the Report of the Working Group on Control of Dogs, the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Food, Agriculture and the Marine, consultation with stakeholders and experts in the field, and the outcomes of the public consultation undertaken by my Department in 2019.
The public consultation undertaken in 2019 received over 1,000 submissions in relation to control of dog measures, including topics such as breed specific legislation.
In November I announced the establishment of a Stakeholder Group that will inform decisions regarding any potential legislative change. The first meeting of this group will take place shortly.
Updates to the existing legislation are required and it is proposed that amendments will be made through a Control of Dogs and Dog Breeding Establishment Miscellaneous Bill. Items under consideration include the possibility for dog control notices, the inclusion of additional breeds in the restricted dogs list and updates to definitions contained in the Dog Breeding Establishments Act. However, the issues raised are wide ranging and complex and require in depth analysis and consultation to ensure amendments are not just robust, fit for purpose and implementable but that they also deliver the best outcomes for communities and for dogs themselves. This work will progress throughout 2024.
In addition my officials regularly meet with counterparts in neighbouring jurisdictions to discuss areas of common interest in relation to dog control policy and this will continue as part of the work outlined.
