Control of Dogs Seanad Éireann — 2026-02-26 ============================================================ Mike Kennelly (FG), Labour Panel I welcome the Minister. Today, I need to highlight a serious issue that affects communities right across rural and urban Ireland, one of that is being felt particularly strongly in counties like Kerry. I refer to the growing problem of irresponsible dog ownership, including dog fouling and uncontrolled dogs that are causing savage harm to livestock, wildlife and, in some cases, people. The Minister is well aware of this. This is not a new problem. For years, local authorities have relied on enforcement systems that require wardens to witness an offence before action can be taken. Despite the dedication and professionalism of dog wardens across the country, that system is no longer fit for purpose. The reality is simple; without the ability to identify an offending dog after an incident occurs, accountability is often impossible. Dog fouling remains one of the most consistent complaints raised by the public in local authorities. It affects public health, damages tourism and undermines enjoyment of our beaches, parks and shared public spaces. Beyond inconvenience, there are very real human consequences. Recently, a woman from Kerry contacted a representative to share her personal story. When she was just three years old, playing on a beach, she contracted a serious infection linked to dog fouling. That infection ultimately caused her to lose vision in one eye. This is not an abstract debate; it is a reminder that irresponsible behaviour can have lifelong consequences. In rural Ireland, the stakes are even higher. Farmers continue to face devastating livestock attacks caused by uncontrolled dogs, particularly during the lambing season, which we are in. The financial loss is significant but the emotional toll on farming families finding animals injured or killed cannot be overstated. The scale of the problem nationally is clear. In 2024 alone, 287 livestock-worrying incidents were reported, a 4% increase on the previous year. A total of 2,077 farm animals were attacked by dogs in a single year, including 1,592 sheep along with cattle and poultry. In those attacks, 618 animals were maimed, killed or had to be put down, and dog attacks on livestock are now at a six-year high nationally. We are not talking about isolated incidents. Over 2,000 farm animals were attacked by dogs in Ireland last year alone. The impact on farmers is widespread. The survey shows that 73% of sheep farmers have experienced dog attacks on their flocks, while historical farming data suggests that between 3,000 and 4,000 sheep may be injured or killed annually due to dog attacks. Behind every statistic are a farming family dealing with loss, distress and financial pressure. The Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association has been in contact and has made clear that stronger measures are needed. It has been calling for improved traceability and accountability for some time, recognising that existing enforcement tools are completely out of touch and are failing farmers who are doing everything right. What is being proposed is not punitive or anti-dog, and we have to state that. Ireland is nation of dog lovers. I am one myself and the vast majority of dog owners are very responsible. This is about addressing the small minority whose actions create consequences for everyone else. A dog DNA database is one modern tool that deserves serious national consideration. Under such a system, DNA samples could be collected when dogs are licensed or registered and could be phased in over time. I do not want this to start today. I want it to start with the next pup that comes in to be chipped by the vet, whereby they would be registered and a DNA sample taken. Evidence gathered after livestock attacks or from dog fouling incidents could then be matched, allowing enforcement officers to act fairly and effectively. Importantly, this is about deterrence as much as it is about enforcement. When accountability becomes possible, behaviours change. Responsible owners are protected, public spaces become cleaner and farmers gain reassurance that incidents will no longer go unanswered. Local authorities, including those in Leitrim and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, are beginning to examine this approach because they recognise that the current systems are completely outdated. We now need national leadership, clear guidance, legislative support where necessary and a willingness to explore modern solutions to modern problems. Protecting public health, supporting farmers, safeguarding wildlife and promoting responsible dog ownership are goals we all share. Examining innovative enforcement tools should not be controversial as it was last week down in Kerry County Council when this issue was raised. It should be seen as common sense and welcomed. I urge this House to support further examination of dog DNA databases as part of a broader effort to strengthen responsible dog ownership across Ireland and to give our local authorities the tool they need to protect everyone in the community. --- Source: Houses of the Oireachtas. Licensed under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). The Official Report is revised after first publication; the fetch timestamp below identifies the version quoted. Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-02-26/debate/main Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:42+00:00 Sitting date: 2026-02-26