Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he intends introducing compulsory micro chipping of dogs in view of the damage being caused by dogs worrying sheep; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1589/13]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his plans for the introduction of compulsory microchipping of all dogs in view of a number of dog attacks on sheep in several parts of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1750/13]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will introduce compulsory microchipping for all dogs, in view of a number of dog attacks on sheep in several parts of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1539/13]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 618, 619 and 681 together.

While it is not proposed at this point to introduce compulsory microchipping of all dogs, there have been a number of recent developments that have increased microchipping usage. The regulations I introduced in early 2012 under the Dog Breeding Establishments Act, 2010 stipulate that all dogs held in such establishments be microchipped once they reach 8 weeks of age or when a dog is moved from the establishment. This initiative will result in more and more dogs being microchipped over time. In addition, many dogs that are seized by dog wardens are microchipped prior to being returned to their owners, or given to new owners.

To be properly effective, the compulsory microchipping of dogs should be supported by the development of a central registration system for all dogs. It would also be necessary to have the co-operation of the dog-owning public in updating of a central registration system where the ownership of a dog changes. These are large projects which would involve a significant investment in terms of time and funding, but they are under consideration by local authorities and my Department. Mandatory microchipping of all dogs will not necessarily eliminate the problem of sheep worrying. The key to tackling this issue is responsible dog ownership. Dog owners must recognise the issues involved and their responsibilities in ensuring that their dogs are controlled at all times, especially at night time and, most especially, before and during the lambing season. My Department has been in contact with farming representatives regarding the promotion of such behaviour by dog owners and I expect that these discussions will be useful and fruitful.