Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 June 2024
68. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she is satisfied that local authorities are sufficiently resourced to enforce the legislation in relation to dog control legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26378/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has overall policy responsibility for the Control of Dogs Acts 1986 to 2014. Local Authorities have responsibility for all operational matters under the Control of Dogs Acts.
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.
My Department does not provide any funding to local authorities in respect of their work in the implementation of the legislative code relating to the control of dogs. Income to support Local Authority Dog Control is sourced in a number of ways, primarily through license fees and Local Authority own resources, with a nominal amount from fixed charge notices. Section 15 of the Control of Dogs Act stipulates that a local authority must employ at least one dog warden.
My Department publishes annual statistics in respect of a range of the dog control responsibilities of local authorities. Information including the number of dog wardens, by county and in tabular form, is available on the dog control statistics page on gov.ie: (www.gov.ie/en/collection/879d4c-dog-control-statistics/). The 2023 dog control statistics have been requested from local authorities and will be published on gov.ie once available.
