New campaign to be launched to 'reinforce responsible dog ownership'
A new campaign is set to be launched to "reinforce responsible dog ownership from the perspective of harm to both humans and other animals," according to the Minister for Rural and Community Development.
Minister Dara Calleary said that last year a major national awareness campaign was launched by the Department of Rural and Community Development to "alert dog owners of their responsibilities and to raise awareness of the dangers that can be posed to people and to livestock by uncontrolled dogs".
He confirmed that his department now intends to launch a similar campaign in the coming weeks.
Minister Calleary outlined the plans in response to a parliamentary question raised by the Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow-Wexford, Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, on the "problem of dog attacks on sheep farms in south Wicklow".
Deputy Ó Súilleabháin had asked the minister if consideration had been given to the "request from farm organisations that his department take control of the entire dog control system".
Minister Calleary told the deputy that he believes "it is important for dog owners to be aware of their responsibilities - not just to the general public but also to their dogs."
He also referenced the stakeholder group, that was established in 2024 to consider and make recommendations to strengthen policy in relation to "uncontrolled dog" issues.
"Retired Deputy Garda Commissioner John Twomey is chair of the stakeholder group, which comprises of members with a broad range of expertise.
"The group have been tasked with considering the policy and legislative matters under the remit of my department, specifically the Dog Control Acts and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act. I look forward to receiving the recommendations of the group in due course," the minister added.
He also highlighted that as part of the Programme for Government 2025, the government "will address the disjointed approach to dog control issues by ensuring all legislation and policy in relation to the Control of Dogs, Dog Welfare and Dog Breeding Establishments rests with the Department of Agriculture".
"Discussions are currently ongoing between my department and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) to implement the Transfer of Functions in a timely manner," Minister Calleary confirmed.
