Mr. Willie Shaw:

I thank the committee for the opportunity to talk to it today. I agree with previous speakers. It is basically the same thing that we are all after here today, that is, stronger controls for dogs and more traceability for the dogs that are doing the harm. It is a very small percentage of dog owners who let their dogs do what they like. Unfortunately, it only takes a few percent. Thousands of sheep are killed every year in Ireland. Millions of euro worth of livestock is destroyed. An awful lot of sheep farmers are leaving the sector and we do not need yet another reason for them to leave. We appreciate that legislation is to be introduced but there must be backup financially and in terms of dog wardens and even something as simple as microchipping.

When that dog is sold again as an adult it needs to be registered with its new owner. The microchip registration cannot go back to its old owner. Small common-sense measures like these could make a huge difference.