Ms Brenda Fitzpatrick:

Local authorities certainly have a role to play in the overall mechanism used when a dog is stolen. As Ms O'Connor said in her report, many people do not report their dogs missing. They are not even aware they can get a PULSE number from An Garda Síochána. The issue also needs communication and information. There should be a national database that is accessible to the local authorities and An Garda Síochána nationwide when a dog is stolen and a PULSE number should be generated for that dog. It is critical for that to happen. Local authorities absolutely have a role, but it is chalk and cheese. There are blatant differences in the calibre of those working on the ground as dog wardens and councils supporting dog wardens. It is obvious to anyone involved in the area of animal rescue and people who are dog owners. It should be standardised.

The Deputy also asked how the law should be enforced and not only having a penal sentence imposed.