Mairead Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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690. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the measures relating to the control of dogs in Ireland that have been taken since the publication of the review; the number of measures that relate to restricted breeds; if this includes the control of presa canario dogs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61788/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Earlier this year my Department published on gov.ie the consultation report on ‘A review of measures relating to the control of dogs in Ireland’. A selection of the submissions received were also published alongside the report.

As a result of this review and the ongoing legislative review, my Department is proposing to amend Statutory Instrument S.I. No. 442 /1998 - Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 to include the Presa Canario breed of dog. My Department is also proposing to introduce increased penalties for all offences under the Control of Dogs Acts. This will also include offences under Statutory Instrument S.I. No. 442/1998.

Consideration is also being given to introducing a new provision in primary legislation to allow for Dog Control Notices. A Dog Control Notice (DCN) is a notice that would be issued to a dog owner whose dog has been found to be out of control. It would outline the measures the owner must take to make sure the dog is controlled in a manner which ensures the safety of others and prevents further incidents/attacks. These measures may include muzzling and leashing the dog, neutering, attendance at dog training courses etc.

Furthermore, a cross-departmental review of all legislative and enforcement issues relating to dogs is about to commence, to be led by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

The review will focus on strengthening current legislation, enforcement and policy as well as promoting responsible dog ownership.