Minister Hackett welcomes funding for upgrades to Offaly’s dog shelter
Minister Pippa Hackett has welcomed funding for upgrades to Offaly’s dog shelter announced by Minister Heather Humphreys today as part of a suite of new measures designed to enhance Dog Control.
Minister Humphreys announced the establishment of a €2 million Fund to upgrade local authority dog shelter facilities and vehicles nationwide. She also signed regulations that will see on-the-spot fines for more serious offences under the Control of Dogs Act increase from €100 to €300.
Minister Hackett said that “new Government measures to enhance Dog Control are necessary and important steps towards responsible pet ownership and public safety.”
The Minister for Land Use and Biodiversity commented: “As dog owners we are responsible for their welfare and for ensuring they do not pose a risk to safety. These new measures include significant increases for on-the-spot fines to up to €300. I am delighted that Offaly County Council’s dog shelter, which I have visited, is to receive nearly €60,000 towards facility and transport upgrades. The small team there play a very important role, with excellent care for the animals that need their help. This funding is to support their work and ultimately to support them in improving outcomes for the dogs in their care.”
“I believe one of the key issues for pet owners is to know what our responsibilities are. By law, if you own a dog, you must have a dog licence. Your dog must have a collar or harness on with your contact details attached. Dogs must be accompanied and kept under ‘effectual control’ at all times.”
Referring to the additional requirements for specific breeds of dogs on what is referred to as the ‘Restricted Dog List’, Minister Hackett said: “ Unfortunately the necessity for these regulations is tragically familiar to us. Such dogs must be muzzled and led, on a sufficiently strong leash or chain not exceeding two metres in length, by a competent person over 16 years of age, when in a public place. As part of the latest measures my Government colleague, Minister Humphreys, announced her decision to establish a high level Stakeholder Group, with membership due to be finalised in the days ahead. She will be asking this Stakeholder Group to examine expanding the list of ‘restricted breeds’ and she has my full support.”
Minister Humphreys stated: "I am pleased to announce €2 million in funding towards dog control service improvements. This will see the upgrading of dog shelter facilities, dog pounds and vehicles used by dog wardens.
“We all know the difficult role dog control personnel play in our communities and the increased pressures they are facing as they deal with large numbers of stray and unwanted dogs.”