Press release
Minister Canney announces Public Consultation relating to the control of dogs in Ireland
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development, Seán Canney TD has today 1 July 2019 announced the commencement of a public consultation process on the review of measures relating to the control of dogs in Ireland.
The Minister said:
"I am pleased to announce this important public consultation. Many people own dogs in Ireland and we want to ensure that these dogs are treated properly."
Minister Canney’s department has 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 there is a view that changes are required.
For example, the Statutory Instrument (S.I. No. 442/1998) which requires extra controls for a list of specific breeds has been in place since 1998, and some parties have indicated that this breed specific approach requires a change.
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.
The Minister added:
"I want to ensure that an approach is in place that places priority on the protection and safety of the public. I also believe it is essential to have a formal public consultation, to ensure these decision are made in an open and inclusive way. I have therefore decided to have a public consultation process which will commence today and will close on 6 September 2019."
The consultation document poses a series of 10 questions. Interested parties are invited to make written submissions or comments on the questions asked, and to send them by email to dogsconsultation@drcd.gov.ie by 5.30pm on 6 September 2019.
People may also post their submission to the Dog Control Unit, Department of Rural and Community Development, Government Buildings, Ballina, Co Mayo. F26 E8N6.