Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, has confirmed to Senator Erin McGreehan that there is work underway to ban the XL Bully dog breed in Ireland and that she will accept that the Louth Senator’s dog control Bill should go to the next legislative stage.
The confirmation came during a discussion on the Bill in the Seanad. The Bill, brought by Senator McGreehan, would introduce dog control notices, ensure mandatory maintenance of a dog licensing database and designate public spaces where dogs can be off-leash.
Senator McGreehan said: “I have been working on this Bill for quite some time, so I was delighted that the Minister did not oppose the contents of my Bill and has committed to taking its proposals into consideration.
“The Bill seeks to establish a framework for responsible dog ownership, deter incidents of attacks on livestock and enhance enforcement mechanisms through the empowerment of dog wardens. It includes measures to give farmers the powers to ban dogs from their properties.
“The Bill places significant focus on the pressing need for improved dog control and welfare measures in Ireland, spurred by recent tragedies and ongoing concerns. The Bill will promote responsible dog ownership and safeguard both human safety and livestock protection.”
Senator McGreehan said that the recent tragic incident involving a young woman fatally attacked by her dogs underlines the urgent need for comprehensive legislation in this area. She also emphasised the importance of aligning legislative efforts with stakeholder input and the need for additional resources, particularly in terms of increasing the number of dog wardens and promoting awareness campaigns on responsible dog ownership.
She concluded: “Being from Louth, I am aware that there is a need to work on a cross border basis in this area. I am delighted that Minister Humphries has committed to working with an all-island focus towards dog control and welfare.
“With a comprehensive approach encompassing microchipping requirements, updated licensing information, and designated off-leash areas, the Bill aims to create a culture of positive dog ownership while prioritising public safety and animal welfare. We need education and awareness initiatives, as there is an intrinsic link between responsible ownership practices and ensuring safe co-existence between dogs, humans, and livestock.”
