Jerry Buttimer (Cork South-Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy McGreehan again and I share her view. It is important for dog owners to be aware of their responsibilities, not just for the public but also for their dogs. The Deputy is right; accountability, awareness and human responsibility must work in tandem.

In 2024, a major national awareness campaign entitled, "It's not your dog's fault, it's yours", was launched by the Department to alert dog owners to their responsibilities and to raise awareness of the dangers posed to people and livestock by uncontrolled dogs. My Department intends to launch a similar campaign in the coming weeks to reinforce responsible dog ownership from the perspective of harm to both humans and other animals.

Last year, my Department provided €2 million in capital funding to local authorities to expand and improve the dog pounds and dog warden facilities in addition to €2 million provided in 2023. In 2024, funding of €2 million to support resourcing of dog warden services for this year was also announced. This funding recognises the increased demands in the area of dog control and the need to ensure resources on the ground to enforce legislation. My Department also worked closely with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to publish a plain-language leaflet informing dog owners of their legal obligations. This leaflet was distributed last year to every dog warden, local authority and veterinary surgery in the country in addition to more than 100 animal welfare charities. I commend Deputy McGreehan on her work. We all have a responsibility and duty of care and I hope we can work together to ensure we get the outcome we deserve and all wish to see happen.

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