Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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642. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development her position on a proposed move of the dog control unit from her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37438/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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My Department is responsible for dog control policy and legislation. The relevant legislative instruments are the Control of Dogs Acts and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010.

Local Authorities are responsible for all operational matters relating to dog control, including the dog warden service, local authority dog pounds, inspection and regulation of dog breeding establishments and the local authority veterinary service.

While some exploratory discussions regarding the transfer of the dog control functions to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine took place in late 2017, my Department has had no engagement recently with that Department in relation to this matter.

Both Departments work closely together to ensure a coordinated approach is taken in the area of dog control.