Credit: Dlexus, CC BY-SA 4.0

Heather Humphreys, the minister for rural and community development, today announced plans to establish a high-level stakeholder group which will be asked to consider expanding the list of restricted breeds under the Control of Dog Regulations 1998.

“While not pre-empting the work of the group, I do note decisions taken by the UK in terms of restricting certain dangerous breeds by the end the year,” Mrs Humphreys said.

“I think it is only appropriate that our own stakeholder group consider the merits of adopting a similar approach here, particularly in light of recent worrying incidents whereby people and livestock have been attacked.”

No breed of dog is currently banned in Ireland. However, the Control of Dogs Acts 1986–2014 set out a range of requirements for all dog owners or any other person in charge of a dog.

The 1998 Regulations set out additional requirements that owners of specific breeds of dogs, including strains or crosses of those breeds, must comply with.

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.

Mrs Humphreys also announced she has signed regulations tripling on-the-spot fines for more serious offences under the Control of Dogs Acts from €100 to €300.

She said: “I want to send a strong message to dog owners — if your dog is not controlled you will be fined. And if you own a restricted dog, you must comply with the regulations.”