Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
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Question 33: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he intends to take to control the number of stray domestic pets, particularly dogs and cats; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16623/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Control of Dogs Acts 1986 and 1992 place statutory responsibility for dog control and licensing services on local authorities. The implementation of the Acts is vested in local authorities who have power to appoint dog wardens, to provide shelters for stray and other dogs, to impose on-the-spot fines for a number of offences and to take prosecutions. Local authorities may also make bye-laws in relation to the control of dogs within their functional areas.

The number of stray dogs being re-homed each year has increased from 4,681 in 1998 to 7,939 in 2004. Figures for 2005 are being compiled at present but it is estimated that in excess of 8,700 stray dogs were re-homed in 2005.

Certain provisions of the Control of Dogs Act 1986 may be extended, by regulations, to other species of domesticated animals, including cats. In the absence of reliable data regarding the number of stray cats, and of appropriate solutions, it is not proposed to place an additional responsibility on local authorities that might dilute their control efforts in relation to dangerous and stray dogs which are generally viewed as presenting greater problems than stray cats. However, where a local authority considers it appropriate it may assist a body which is endeavouring to reduce, in a humane manner, the problems caused by stray cats.