Control of Dogs
Seanad Éireann — 2026-02-26
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Mike Kennelly (FG), Labour Panel

I am glad there is ongoing work to promote public awareness of dogs and lambing season. The Minister said that the Department is open to the potential role of DNA in the future development of the canine traceability system. I am glad about that. It is results-based no matter what we do or what public awareness campaigns are launched. Last week, we discussed road safety in the House and this week, we are discussing safety with regard to control of dogs. I respect the Minister's response. I hope that at the end of 2026, these results will show a reduction in dog attacks. The rollout of a dog DNA database could be a future development. It may be costly and I hope the microchipping works out but the increasing number of sheep being targeted by dogs and the increase in dog fouling on our streets and public beaches shows that the situation is not improving so I ask the Minister to keep this in focus. If we can deal with a dog that has killed ten sheep or an incident where someone's child steps on dog mess on a beach, playground, football field or public park, which could cause health problems, we should. I welcome the Minister's response and hope he keeps in it mind.

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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