Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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1610. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will outline any activities he is pursuing around legislative changes concerning conditions of dog ownership and or licensing. [12762/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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My Department has policy and legislative responsibility for dog control.  I published the consultation report on ‘A review of measures relating to the control of dogs in Ireland’ last year.   This report followed a public consultation to which over 1,000 responses were received.  As a result of this review, the Department intends to more actively promote a culture of responsible dog ownership in Ireland. This will include supporting information campaigns regarding responsible dog ownership and progressing measures involving primary and secondary legislation.

Officials from both my Department and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine have been  participating in a working group on control of dogs issues, convened to examine the various issues and consider all relevant legislative and enforcement issues in relation to dogs.  The report of the group is currently under consideration.   

I 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. 

My Department continues to promote a culture of responsible dog ownership in Ireland by supporting responsible dog ownership, education and awareness campaigns.