Public Consultation on a review of measures relating to the control of dogs in Ireland

The Department of Rural and Community Development has policy and legislative responsibility for the area of Dog Control in Ireland. Certain aspects of this legislation have been in place for a significant number of years and views have been put forward that changes are required. The department is now reviewing this area to ensure improvements are made where appropriate and to ensure an appropriate approach is in place for the effective control of dogs in Ireland. This approach may or may not be breed specific.

Given the different views that are being put forward, and the fact that the Statutory Instrument (S.I. No. 442/1998) which lists extra measures for specific breeds has been in place since 1998, it is appropriate to review this area to ensure that an approach is in place that places priority on the protection and safety of the public.

To ensure that this decision is taken in an open and inclusive manner, Minister Canney has decided to complete a public consultation process, which will commence on 1 July 2019 and close on 6 September 2019.

The consultation document poses a series of 10 questions and Minister Canney is inviting interested parties to make written submissions or comments on these questions, preferably by email, by 5.30pm on Friday 6 September 2019 to:

• email: dogsconsultation@drcd.gov.ie or
• by post to:

Submissions should be as concise as possible and should include the questions(s) number(s) to which reference is made.

A review of measures relating to the control of dogs in Ireland, Consultation paper

Please email dogsconsultation@drcd.gov.ie or phone (076) 100 6936 if you would like a paper copy posted to you.

All submissions and comments received will be subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2014 and Data Protection legislation.

Submissions and comments will not be responded to on an individual basis but will be reviewed as part of the process.

All submissions and comments received will be reviewed as part of the decision making process. Submissions may be made available on the department’s website. Please do not include material of a private nature in the body of your submission.