Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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5. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she intends conducting a review of the Control of Dogs Act 1986-1992 in view of the recent dog attack in County Wexford which left a child with life-changing injuries; if she will appoint an expert panel to review the legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62505/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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At the outset, I would like to say that my thoughts are with Alejandro Mizsan and his family and friends following the horrific ordeal that he endured. I was utterly shocked at the awful events in Wexford last week. And in recent days we heard of a serious dog attack on sheep on a farm in Offaly, which is devastating for the farmer and his family.

I believe that now is the time to consolidate work in relation to dog control legislation across Government. We need act to ensure we are safeguarding people and livestock as best we can and that we are promoting a culture of responsible dog ownership in Ireland.

So I was delighted to respond to a recent request from the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and confirm that my Department and I will work with him on a cross-departmental review of the laws around the control of dogs. The review will focus on strengthening current legislation, enforcement and policy.

I also intend to take action shortly to respond to the growing concern about dogs which are not under proper control. My Department is currently working on options in this regard, including amendments to primary legislation and regulations relating to on-the-spot fines.

In addition, as a result of a recent 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 will also continue to promote a culture of responsible dog ownership in Ireland, by supporting responsible dog ownership, education and awareness campaigns.