Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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651. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if additional resources will be extended to local authorities to enforce the new regulations and exemption certs for restricted breeds such as XL bullies. [39918/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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My Department has policy responsibility for the Control of Dogs Acts, and local authorities have responsibility for all operational matters, including enforcement. The Control of Dogs Acts set out a number of legal obligations that all dog owners must comply with.

Under the Control of Dogs Acts, local authorities have the power to issue dog licenses, appoint dog wardens, provide dog shelters, seize dogs, impose on-the-spot fines and take court proceedings against dog owners, where appropriate.

In July, together with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, and Minister of State with Responsibility for Local Government and Planning, Alan Dillon TD, I announced funding of €2 million for local authorities to support the resourcing of dog warden services from 2025. This funding recognises the increased demands in the area of dog control and the need to ensure resources on the ground to enforce the ban on XL Bully type dogs.

I also recently announced €2 million in capital funding to local authorities to expand and improve their dog pounds and dog warden facilities. This funding is in addition to the €2 million I announced for dog warden facilities in November last year (2023). This funding comes as a direct response to increased pressures on dog control services and will make immediate and tangible improvements to the dog control service across the country.

Finally, in addition to these measures, my Department is also supporting a national training programme for dog wardens to ensure consistency and a standardised approach to enforcement. This training commenced in April.

I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues across Government to improve outcomes in relation to Dog Control in Ireland.