Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I fully understand the concerns raised by the Senator and I will bring everything back to the Minister and the Government. As the Taoiseach flagged recently, a cross-departmental review of the laws on dog control is about to commence. I share and understand the concerns about the number of dog wardens and prosecutions under the Control of Dogs Act. I hope we will see an increase in warden numbers because there has been a large increase in the number of dogs owned. This includes my own family, which has taken on a lovely little dog. Our dog is not let off the leash because we would not allow that, even though it is a small dog. Owners have to take responsibility and most do, in fairness, and that is the reality of it.

The Government is committed to working with all agencies to strengthen the issue of dog control and promote responsible dog-ownership. I must again say the law is clear in respect of restricted breeds in that there are requirements that need to be enforced, and that is a matter for local authorities. It is also a matter for local authorities to determine the number of dog wardens they have but they will have to look at this again because there are increased numbers of dogs, including an increase in the number of restricted breeds in public without a muzzle. This is commonly seen throughout the country and that needs to change. I know there are arguments made that it is the owner's responsibility, and the owner certainly is responsible, but the law is there and it needs to be enforced.

The Department of Rural and Community Development will continue to do its part, along with colleagues in the local authorities, including local authority vets, and Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to consolidate efforts in the areas of safety and responsible dog ownership, as well as animal welfare. I will also take back to the Minister the point raised about fertility clinics in back garden sheds.

The Department of Rural and Community Development will once again support media campaigns on responsible dog ownership as it has always done and, indeed, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine always makes a grant available at Christmas time for animal welfare agencies, which is also important. I thank the Senator for raising this matter.