Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
871. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress that has been made to date regarding the submission from an organisation to curb dog attacks on sheep and lambs (details supplied); his views that more is required than just advising dog owners to be more responsible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34225/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue of livestock worrying has been evident as a huge concern in the farming community for many years now.
Legislative and policy responsibility for the Control of Dogs Acts transferred to my Department on 01 June 2025 and for the Dog Breeding Establishments Act on 01 August 2025. This fulfilled a Programme for Government commitment to centralise all legislation and policy in relation to the control of dogs, dog welfare and dog breeding establishments rests with my Department.
I am determined to ensure the critical issue of livestock worrying is understood by dog owners, and ensure that dog owners understand their responsibility and the significant damage a dog can do to a flock if uncontrolled. In February this year, my Department commenced a media awareness campaign urging dog owners to take due care and act responsibly in any instances where there may be a risk to livestock, particularly sheep, during the critical lambing season. My Department will engage in wide-ranging awareness campaigns across relevant platforms throughout 2026, on issues around responsible dog ownership, including sheep worrying.
It is important to note, however, that Local Authorities, through the Dog Warden Service, have responsibility for all operational matters under the Control of Dogs Acts, including enforcement. This includes the powers to seize dogs, impose on-the-spot fines and take court proceedings against owners.
The hiring of dog wardens is also a matter for each Local Authority. Funding of €2m was made available to Local Authorities by the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) in 2025 to facilitate the hiring of additional wardens. This funding will not necessarily cover the full cost of hiring additional dog wardens but is meant as a contribution towards same. My Department has committed to continuing this level of funding in 2026, making a further €2m available to Local Authorities to assist with the employment of dog wardens.
Additionally, capital funding to the value of €2m, to be used for the improvement of dog warden facilities and equipment, dog pounds, public signage, dog walking facilities in public parks, etc was made available to Local Authorities by DRCD in 2023 and 2024, and again by my Department in 2025 under the Dog Control Support Initiative.
In 2024, the Dog Control Stakeholder Group was established to review the Control of Dogs Acts and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act. Its remit is to consider policy and legislative matters in relation to those Acts and consider any need for legislative change. 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.
I am committed to reviewing all legislative, enforcement and engagement issues relating to the control of dogs and in this regard I will be guided by the recommendations of the Dog Control Stakeholder Group. The stakeholder group is now nearing the end of its work and I expect their report to be submitted to me very shortly.
