786 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his plans to introduce a Bill to regulate licensing of dogs which would compel dog owners to display on the collar the owner's name; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2352/02]

Under the Control of Dogs Regulations, 1998, the owner or other person in charge of a dog must ensure that such dog shall at all times wear a collar bearing the name and address of the owner inscribed thereon, or on a plate, badge or disc attached thereto. Any person in breach of this provision is guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of 30.

787 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the number of dogs licensed in each local authority throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter, especially regarding recent concern in relation to sheep killings. [2353/02]

The information requested in relation to the number of dog licences issued in each local authority area in the year 2000 is set out in the following table. Under section 9 of the Control of Dogs Act, 1986, a dog must be accompanied and kept under effectual control unless it is on the premises of its owner or of the person in whose charge the dog is or of another person, with that person's consent. The worrying of livestock by a dog is an offence for which the owner, or any other person in charge of the dog, may be liable to a penalty involving a fine not exceeding 1,269.74 and/or a term of imprisonment of not exceeding three months, or both.

Dog Licences Issued – 2000