Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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640. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will review the targeting of dog breeds following the advice of Veterinary Ireland to end the targeting of dog breeds with restrictions (details supplied). [26006/16]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I assume the Question refers to Veterinary Ireland’s Policy Document on the Control of Dogs 2016, as ratified by Veterinary Ireland National Council on 25 May 2016. I wish to thank Veterinary Ireland for their comprehensive review of the Control of Dogs legislation and to acknowledge their positive comments in relation to the various legislative enactments in the areas of animal health and welfare, in particular the commencement of the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 and Microchipping of Dogs Regulations 2015.

The overall thrust of dog control legislation is to place the onus on dog owners and those in control of dogs to act responsibly by keeping their dogs under effectual control, irrespective of breed. Such responsible dog ownership is the key to reducing incidences of dog biting and other problem behaviours.

The Control of Dogs Acts 1986 to 2010 set out a range of requirements for all dog owners or any other person in charge of a dog. In particular, section 9 of the 1986 Act requires the owner or any other person in charge of a dog to accompany it and keep it under effectual control in any place other than the premises of the owner, the premises of the person in control of the dog, or other premises with the consent of the owner of the premises. Section 21 of the 1986 Act provides that the owner of a dog shall be liable in damages for damage caused in an attack on any person by the dog.

In addition to the foregoing, the Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 set out further requirements that owners of specific breeds of dogs have to follow, namely that such dogs must be muzzled and led, on a sufficiently strong leash or chain not exceeding 2 metres in length, by a competent person over 16 years of age when in a public place. The specific control requirements for these restricted breeds are a balanced and workable arrangement which recognises the rights of dog owners, respects animal welfare to the extent possible, while also taking account of the needs of society to be protected from dogs with a significant capability to inflict very serious injury, or cause death.

I am satisfied that the restrictions under the current legislative framework provide the necessary controls for the protection of society. However, I will ask my Department to work with all relevant stakeholders to review the findings of the Veterinary Ireland policy document.