Noel Grealish (Galway West, Independent)
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148. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he has sought expert advice regarding the Control of Dogs Act 1998 and the restriction of certain dog breeds here in view of the increase in the number of persons hospitalised for dog bites over the past number of years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15750/14]

Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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151. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding dog bite hospitalisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15823/14]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 148 and 151 together.

The Control of Dogs Acts 1986 and 1992 set out the main provisions for dog control, including requirements for all dog owners to accompany and keep effectual control of their dogs, irrespective of breed. The penalty for nonconformance with these requirements is a fine of up to €2,500 or imprisonment for a term of up to three months, or both. The statutory responsibility for the enforcement of the relevant legislation rests with the local authorities whose dog control staff work on enforcement on an on-going basis.

The Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 (as amended) set out further requirements that owners of specific breeds of dogs have to follow, namely that their dogs must be muzzled, leashed and led by a competent person over 16 years of age when in public. These specific control requirements in relation to certain breeds were introduced as a balanced and workable arrangement which recognise the rights of dog owners versus the needs of society to be protected from dogs with a significant capability to inflict very serious injury. I have no plans to amend this legislation.

Consultation was undertaken with a range of expert bodies as part of the development of this legislation and my Department remains in ongoing contact with relevant organisations on all issues regarding dog control. In addition, the enforcement of these provisions is overseen within local authorities by the Local Authority Veterinary Services.

While the latest available statistics for hospital discharges with a diagnosis of ' Bitten by Dog ' are down in 2012 from the year before, I am concerned about any incidents involving dogs causing harm to people. Alongside regulation and enforcement, the key to tackling this issue is responsible dog ownership under which individual dog owners recognise and accept their responsibilities for ensuring that their dogs are controlled at all times and do not cause harm to people or other animals.