Joe Cooney (Clare, Fine Gael)

I thank all the witnesses for coming in and highlighting their concerns. In fairness, they have highlighted a lot of concerns of which we are well aware. We have witnessed what has gone on in the past. Dogs are the responsibility of the owners. I agree with the Deputies sitting beside me that laws need to be put in place in order that owners are held responsible if their dogs are out of control. A law needs to be in place to take them to court, fine them and name and shame them. If we do not do that, we will not solve this problem.

I have a couple of questions for the witnesses. When it comes to locations, I presume there are different parts of the country worse affected than other parts. Am I correct? Can someone answer that?