240 dog attacks on livestock in two years

Sheep killed in dog attack Picture: Mountaineering Ireland

There were 240 dog attacks on livestock and 180 on other animals across the State in the past two years.

Senator Lynn Boylan told the Upper House there have been 1,500 dog attacks in the same period, with 430 of them on people.

But, with an increase in the number of incidents, there was a huge disparity across the country in local authorities in collecting fines under dog-control regulations.

Top of the list was Dublin County Council, with 105 spot fines being issued. Fingal County Council issued 90.

But South Dublin County Council only issued 18, and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council issued a single fine. Some counties, such as Clare, Longford, Westmeath and Cavan, have issued no fines at all.

Senator Boylan said she had repeatedly called on the Department of Social Protection and Rural and Community Development and Minister Heather Humphreys, to do more than just say it is responsible for the enactment of the legislation.

It is the Department with responsibility for ensuring that local authorities are enforcing that legislation, she said.

Senator Boylan said an increase in the fines from €100 to €300 was welcome and would see an increase in the number of dog wardens.

But with such disparity in the numbers of fines between local authorities, she said certain local authorities deem dog welfare and the control of dogs as insignificant or not a priority for them.

“That is where the Minister's role comes in. She has oversight of this, so she should ensure there is consistency across the board at all local authorities, not just as regards giving out the fines but also ensuring that the prosecutions follow through,” she said.

Senator Lisa Chambers, Leader of the House, said Senator Boylan said the bigger issue was that there are not enough dog wardens.

“There are significant dog welfare issues, and the dog shelters are at capacity and need extra support and funding. An overall awareness campaign might be needed.

"People are taking on pets when they may not have properly thought through the responsibility and what is required. This is putting pressure on dog kennels around the country,” she said.

Senator Chambers said the Minister had acknowledged that the Government wants to deal with this issue, especially in the context of preventing attacks by dogs and making things safer for people.

However, there must also be a level of personal responsibility on the part of those who take on dogs as pets and who allow attacks to happen.

This is a challenging issue, but one that the Government is keen to address in terms of resources and, of course, enforcement of the existing legislation, she said.

With the lambing season beginning, the Irish Farmers Association, the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association and others are expected to further highlight the threat to livestock by roaming dogs.