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

My officials are reviewing the existing legislative provisions under the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 and the Control of Dogs Acts 1986 to 2014, taking account of recommendations from, inter alia, 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 the public consultation undertaken by my Department in 2019. In November I announced the establishment of a Stakeholder Group that will inform decisions regarding any potential legislative change. I anticipate the first meeting of this group will take place in the coming weeks.

Updates to the existing legislation are required and it is proposed that amendments will be made through a Control of Dogs and Dog Breeding Establishment Miscellaneous Bill.

Items under consideration include the possibility for dog control notices, the inclusion of additional breeds in the restricted dogs list and updates to definitions contained in the Dog Breeding Establishments Act. However, the issues raised are wide ranging and complex and require in depth analysis and consultation to ensure amendments are not just robust, fit for purpose and implementable but that they also deliver the best outcomes for communities and for dogs themselves. This work will progress throughout 2024.