Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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841. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if there is an educational programme that dog wardens give communities over dangerous dogs, if it is time for a public awareness programme on the issue in view of the recent publicity over children being attacked by dangerous breeds of dogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36806/13]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The Control of Dogs Acts 1986 and 1992, places statutory responsibility for the dog control and licensing services on local authorities. The implementation of the Acts, including any promotional campaigns or educational programmes, is therefore a matter for the local authorities.

The Control of Dogs Regulations, 1998 (as amended) set out the requirement that certain breeds must be muzzled, kept on a short leash and led by a competent person over 16 years of age when in public. I consider that compliance with these regulations, overseen by the dog control staff of local authorities, continues to be key to responding to any problems caused by such dogs.