Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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215. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the current scientific evidence on which the legislation governing the control of dogs is based, in particular the evidence that has determined the breeds of dogs listed for control in the regulations; the method by which breed type is currently identified; if he is satisfied that current identification methods are scientifically sound; if he is satisfied that the current regulatory regime for the control of dogs is based on sound scientific evidence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16950/17]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Control of Dogs Acts 1986 (as amended) set out a range of requirements for all dog owners or any other person in charge of a dog. The Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 (as amended) 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 2m in length, by a competent person over 16 years of age when in a public place.

Several jurisdictions have addressed the matter of restrictions of particular breeds of dogs in a similar way to Ireland, based on the experience and behaviour of particular breeds in those countries. England, Northern Ireland, France and New Zealand all have similar restrictions on specific breeds of dog.

I am satisfied that the legislation is fit for purpose and I have no plans to further amend the Control of Dogs Acts 1986 (as amended).