Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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532. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he proposes to change dog control laws in view of the apparent increase in attacks by dogs; if so, if he will detail same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29536/14]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I have no proposals at this stage to amend the current legislation in respect of the control of dogs. This legislation requires that the owner, or any other person in charge of a dog, shall not permit the dog to be in a public place unless the owner, or the other person in charge of the dog, accompanies it and keeps it under effectual control. A person who fails to comply with these provisions shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £1,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or to both.

Further restrictions apply to the control of certain specified dog breeds, set out in the Control of Dogs Regulations 1998, under which those dog breeds are not permitted to be in a public place unless they are securely muzzled and led by a sufficiently strong chain or leash, not exceeding two metres in length, by a person over the age of sixteen years who is capable of controlling such a dog.

I am satisfied that this legislation provides a strong basis for dog control measures. Its implementation is a matter for the local authorities, all of whom either directly employ dog control staff or operate a contract for that purpose. It is crucial also for members of the public to exercise responsible dog ownership, in terms of compliance with the legislation, co-operation with local authorities and in being mindful of the impact of their dogs' behaviour on other members of the public.