Control of dogs and dangerous animals
The Minister confirmed receipt of the National Action Committee for Dog Control’s memorandum, but said a national dog warden service was not primarily his Department’s responsibility and he had no related legislative proposals.
asked the Minister for Justice if there are proposals to amend the law relating to dogs for the purpose of ensuring greater control of potentially dangerous animals.
41.
Comment on this
asked the Minister for Justice if consideration has yet been given to the memorandum submitted by the national action committee for dog control; and if it is intended to implement the recommendation in that memorandum.
Comment on this
(Limerick East): A Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 41 together.
A copy of the memorandum prepared by the National Action Committee for Dog Control has been received in my Department. In relation to the proposal for the establishment of a national dog warden service, I should say that this is not a matter primarily for my Department and I do not consider that the control of stray dogs is a matter for the Garda Síochána. Accordingly, I have no proposals for legislation relating to these matters.
As a related issue may I say that the Law Reform Commission have prepared a report and draft Bill on the subject of civil liability for damage caused by animals. The main proposal in the report is that the keeper of any animal which causes injury should be strictly liable therefor.
This report is under examination in my Department but I am not in a position at present to say when I am likely to be in a position to seek Government decisions on the various issues that arise.