Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 November 2025
706. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will publish an updated national animal welfare strategy, including specific commitments on dog breeding, enforcement, inspection standards and public education. [65393/25]
View answerOn 19 November I launched a six-week public consultation process that will run up to 2 January 2026, inviting views to inform development of a new Animal Welfare Strategy for my Department for the period 2026 to 2030. I encourage and welcome the public and all interested stakeholders, including farming interests and animal welfare groups to provide feedback, comment and make recommendations to my Department with respect to new Animal Welfare Strategy that will be launched next year.
Earlier this year, responsibility for all policy and legislation in relation to the Control of Dogs Act, 1986 and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act, 2010 transferred to my Department.
In March 2024, the then Minister for Rural and Community Development established the Dog Control Stakeholder Group to review the Control of Dogs Act and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act.
The stakeholder group’s remit includes considering the need for legislative change. This requires in-depth analysis and consultation to ensure that amendments are not just robust, fit for purpose and implementable, but that they also deliver the best outcomes for communities.
I am committed to reviewing all legislation relating to dogs, and in this regard will be guided by the recommendations of the Dog Control Stakeholder Group. I expect the group to revert to me with recommendations on the matter in due course.
Those wishing to contribute in response to this public consultation should send feedback or submissions to animalwelfareconsultation@agriculture.gov.ie or in hard copy to Public Consultation Feedback, Animal Welfare Division, Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine, Kildare St, Dublin 2, D02WK12
