Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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1538. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to update the laws regarding control of dogs in public places; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33951/14]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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The Control of Dogs Acts 1986 and 1992 set out a range of requirements for all dog owners and the requirement to accompany and keep effectual control of their dogs. The penalty for non-conformance with these requirements is a fine of up to €2,500 or imprisonment for a term of up to three months, or both.

Furthermore, 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.

I have no plans at present to amend current legislation on dog control.