Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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126. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the action being taken to promote responsible dog ownership. [38075/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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On 1 June 2025, all policy and legislative responsibility for the Control of Dogs Acts transferred to my Department from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (DRCDG). It must be noted that Local Authorities retain responsibility for all operational, implementation and enforcement matters under the Acts.

I believe it is important for dog owners to be aware of their responsibilities - not just to the general public but also to their dogs. In 2024, a major national awareness campaign was launched by DRCDG to alert dog owners to their responsibilities, and to raise awareness of the dangers that can be posed to people and to livestock by uncontrolled dogs.

My Department intends to launch a similar campaign over an appropriate timeframe taking activity on farms into account, to reinforce responsible dog ownership more broadly from the perspective of harm to both humans and other animals.

In 2024, funding of €2 million for Local Authorities to support the resourcing of dog warden services and employment of additional wardens from 2025 was announced. This funding recognises the increased demands in the area of dog control and the need to ensure sufficient resources on the ground to enforce the legislation.

Also, in 2023 and 2024, €2 million in capital funding was provided to Local Authorities to expand and improve their dog pounds and dog warden facilities. Further capital funding of €2m will be made available to Local Authorities this year by my Department to support the provision of improved facilities for dog wardens and dog owners around the country.

In relation to enforcement, in November 2023, ‘on-the-spot’ fines for a range of offences under the Control of Dogs Act were increased, including a trebling of the fines for the most serious offences, from €100 to €300. Multiple fines can be issued where more than one offence occurs.

Importantly, a high level Stakeholder Group was established in 2024 to consider, and make recommendations on, strengthening policy in relation to issues around dog control and responsible dog ownership.

Retired Deputy Garda Commissioner Mr. John Twomey is Chair of the stakeholder group, which comprises of members with a broad range of expertise. The group has been tasked with considering the policy and legislative matters under the remit of my Department, specifically the Dog Control Acts and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act.

The Stakeholder Group's remit includes considering the need for legislative change. I look forward to the group completing its work and I will consider its recommendations upon receipt of its report.