I propose to take Questions Nos. 641 and 642 together.
From 1 June 2025, all policy and legislative responsibility for the Control of Dogs Act transferred to my Department from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. This was followed by policy and legislative responsibility for the Dog Breeding Establishments Act on 1 August 2025.
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 comprises members with a broad range of expertise including academics, veterinary surgeons, local authorities, farming interests, charities working in the field and animal welfare experts.
Three sub-groups of the stakeholder group were established to focus on specific areas relating to dog control and welfare, namely Dog Breeding Establishments; Training and Education; and Traceability & Neutering. The sub-groups work with the main stakeholder group and will recommend areas of improvement in the dog control and welfare environment.
The membership of the three sub-groups is laid out in the attached document. While terms of reference were established for each of the sub-groups, it is not intended to publish these or any of the minutes of the sub-group meetings. The sub-groups report to the Chairperson of the main stakeholder group at its regular meetings and the minutes of these meetings are published on my Department's website at www.gov.ie
I can confirm that none of the members of the Dog Control Stakeholder Group receive any compensation for their participation. The only member of the Advisory Council on Companion Animal Welfare (ACCAW) to receive any payment is the independent chairperson.
While there is no overlap between the work of the Dog Control Stakeholder Group and the ACCAW, there are members common to both. ACCAW members are updated in relation to any developments regarding the control of dogs. When the Dog Control Stakeholder Group submits its recommendations to me, matters therein pertaining to the welfare of dogs may, if necessary, be referred to the ACCAW for consideration.
The work of the Dog Control Stakeholder Group is complex in nature, requiring full consideration of all aspects of the relevant legislation. I look forward to the group completing its work and I will consider its recommendations upon receipt of its report.
Dog Breeding Establishments Sub-Group Members
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Association of Pet Dog Trainers Ireland
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DAFM
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Dog’s Trust
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Hunting Association of Ireland
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Irish Blue Cross
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Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA)
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MADRA
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Veterinary Ireland
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Education and Training Sub-Group Members
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Association of Pet Dog Trainers Ireland
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County and City Management Association
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DAFM
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Dogs Trust
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Dublin City Council (Animal Welfare and Control Unit)
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Irish Blue Cross
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Irish Farmers Association
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Irish Kennel Club
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Irish Veterinary Nursing Association
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MADRA
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National Association of Regional Game Councils
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Veterinary Ireland
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Traceability & Neutering Sub-Group Members
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DAFM
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Dog’s Trust
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Irish Blue Cross
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Irish Farmers Association
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Irish Veterinary Nursing Association
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MADRA
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National Association of Regional Game Councils
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UCD School of Veterinary Medicine
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