Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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631. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the degree to which she remains satisfied regarding the adequacy of dog control measures applicable here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49985/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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My Department has overall policy responsibility for the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 and the Control of Dogs Acts 1986 to 2014.

My officials are currently reviewing the existing legislative provisions, taking account of recommendations from the Report of the Working Group on Control of Dogs, the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Food, Agriculture and the Marine, consultation with stakeholders and experts in the field, and the outcomes of a previous public consultation.

I am keenly aware of the need to keep such legislation under review and, as such, amendments to both Acts are currently under consideration and will be made through a Control of Dogs and Dog Breeding Establishment Miscellaneous Bill.

Matters under consideration include the possibility for dog control notices and the inclusion of additional breeds in the restricted dogs list. The issues raised are wide ranging and complex and I want to ensure that amendments are robust, fit for purpose and implementable. To assist in this, I recently announced the establishment of a high-level stakeholder group tasked with consideration of the types of changes that may be necessary.

I have recently signed regulations to increase ‘on-the-spot’ fines under the Control of Dogs Acts. SI 504 of 2023 will come into effect on 01 December 2023, and will see increases in fine amounts for certain offences.

My Department works closely with the Department of Agriculture who also have responsibilities in this area, as well as the local authorities who are responsible for operational are enforcement matters in respect of dog control.