Mr. Michael O'Connell:

I thank the Chair for the opportunity to address the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food. Dog control is a major issue at the moment for livestock farmers, sheep and cattle. We believe a similar initiative is required to the awareness campaign that was launched in 2024. The ICMSA believes that a number of areas should be highlighted in such a campaign. I refer to the damage done to sheep and other stock. There is an economic effect due to the cost of it. There is also a psychological effect on the farmers involved. The repercussions should be made known to dog owners as to what will happen if their dogs are found to have worried or killed sheep.

It is important that all dogs be microchipped and licensed and that this be enforced. Without microchipping, there is no traceability, which, in fairness, is a major issue.

The impact on farmers should not be underestimated. It is traumatic on any farmer to see that his or her animals have been attacked by dogs. The committee should be mindful of that as well.

The enforcement of dog controls must be rigid and swift. In recent months, we have seen in media outlets coverage of the legislation banning XL bullies. There is a way around it and the loopholes must be closed. The powers of dog wardens need to be reviewed. Will they come in under the Department of agriculture and be supervised by it? That is more or less a synopsis of what we have proposed.