Aidan Davitt (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to discuss the horrific mauling of Alejandro Miszan and the seven or eight other such cases that have happened throughout Ireland this year, mainly to young kids. When researching this issue, I saw that a woman who had two small dogs with her had been attacked and severely disfigured by a listed dog. There is a list of ten restricted dog breeds. Owners are responsible for their dogs and control of same.We have the Control of Dogs Act 1986. The Act was updated in 1998 and other amendments have subsequently been made. The legislation stipulates a maximum fine of €2,500, which is at the strongest end of the punishments in this case. The legislation contains a lot of on-the-spot fines and whatever else as well. It is a common sight to see the breeds on the proscribed list of dogs not muzzled in public. One can see them anywhere in Ireland when one walks through a park. The owners should know better and realise that their dogs should be muzzled at all times when in public. As laid out in the law these animals are meant to be muzzled, be on a short lead, and the person in charge of them must be over 16 years of age. The law is very specific, clear and easy to understand.

I ask the Leader to convey up the line that we must strengthen these laws. Also, we must ensure that the owners who break the law should have the full rigour of the law brought to bear on them and i would go as far as to say that should be up to and including jail terms. It is unacceptable to have these animals loose and running around, particularly in parks where there are likely to be children. I firmly believe that anyone who thinks they can do so should face a jail term.