Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The local authorities will be part of this stakeholder group. I updated the Government today on the work I am doing in the Department on dog control. The sum of €2 million has been provided in funding to local authorities to enable them to upgrade dog shelters and purchase equipment to support the local dog wardens in their work, but also to fund a neutering campaign.

My Department is carrying out a comprehensive communication campaign on responsible dog ownership. I have the booklet with me here that has just gone out. I blame the owners not the dogs because they are not treating them well, they are not training them properly and they are not keeping them under control. People need to keep their dogs under control.

Some local authorities are currently recruiting dog wardens. I believe the local authorities in counties Mayo and Dublin have recruitment processes under way. Increasing the fines will mean more money to help the local authorities finance dog warden positions. The local authorities have responsibility for the dog wardens. Dog wardens do not have an easy job.

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