Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 576: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is satisfied that there is adequate legislation in place to protect innocent pedestrians walking their pets from being savagely attacked by vicious dogs such as Kerry Blue dogs and pit bull terriers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31977/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 place controls on ten breeds of dogs, including the Pit Bull Terriers and strains and crosses of these dogs. The controls, which must be observed when the dog is in a public place, require that these dogs, or types and crosses thereof, must be kept on a short lead by a person over 16 years of age who is capable of controlling them and that they be securely muzzled. Furthermore, the Control of Dogs Act 1986 gives specific powers to the courts to order that a dog, which the court considers dangerous, must be kept under proper control or be destroyed. I am satisfied that these provisions provide an adequate level of control and it is not proposed to introduce additional measures, including in relation to additional breeds such as the Kerry Blue, at this stage.