Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 435: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to review the status of the African Boerboel breed of dog for possible inclusion on the dangerous dogs list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39930/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 place controls on 10 breeds of dogs or crosses thereof. 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 strong short lead [up to 2 metres in length] by a person over 16 years of age who is capable of controlling them and that they are securely muzzled. The breeds of dogs to which these requirements apply were selected on the basis of recommendations in respect of the potential of those breeds and in the interests of public safety.

The list of dangerous dogs is as follows:

American Pit Bull Terrier

Bull Mastiff

Doberman Pinscher

English Bull Terrier

German Shepherd (Alsatian)

Japanese Akita

Japanese Tosa

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Rottweiler

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

I understand that the African Boerboel is a mastiff type dog and would therefore be covered by the 1998 Regulations.