Minister Heather Humphreys addressed the Seanad today, expressing strong support for new dog control measures in response to recent tragic incidents involving dog attacks in Ireland. The speech comes in the wake of a Private Members’ Bill introduced by Senators Erin McGrehan, Robbie Gallagher, Eugene Murphy, Micheál Carrigy, Malcolm Byrne, and Diarmuid Wilson, which the government has chosen not to oppose.

Minister Humphreys began by extending her deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Nicole Morey, who tragically lost her life in a dog attack in Limerick. She also expressed her concern for those injured in a similar incident in Cork last week. Reflecting on the 2022 attack on young Alejandro Mizsan in Wexford, the Minister outlined the steps her department has taken to improve dog control:

• Increased Fines: The fines for not keeping dogs under proper control have been increased.
• Funding for Local Authorities: €2 million has been allocated to local authorities to equip dog wardens with necessary resources such as vans and equipment.
• Publicity Campaign: A major campaign promoting responsible dog ownership has been launched across national and local media.
• Working Group Established: A dedicated working group, chaired by former Deputy Garda Commissioner John Twomey, has been formed. This group includes vets, local authorities, farming representatives, and animal welfare experts, and is tasked with strengthening policies and legislation on dog control.

Minister Humphreys emphasised her commitment to addressing the issue of restricted breeds, highlighting that no dog breeds are currently banned in Ireland. Instead, 11 breeds, including the XL Bully, are classified as ‘restricted’ and must be muzzled and kept on short, strong leashes in public. The XL Bully, involved in the recent attacks in Limerick and Wexford, is already on this list.

However, Minister Humphreys believes further action is needed. Citing steps taken in the UK, where owning an XL Bully has been a criminal offence since February, she announced her intention to consult with the Attorney General on implementing a similar ban in Ireland. She stressed the need to align with Northern Ireland, which is also considering such restrictions, to ensure consistent regulations across the border.

Acknowledging the concerns of XL Bully owners who assert their pets pose no threat, the Minister stated:

“We all love our dogs but no dog’s life is worth more than human life.” She pointed out the significant difference in potential harm between attacks by an XL Bully and smaller breeds like Jack Russells, noting the aggressive breeding history of the XL Bully.

The Stakeholder Group has been tasked with prioritising work on restricted breeds, and Minister Humphreys will meet with them later this month. The government is also examining similar bans in Denmark and France to learn from their experiences.

Minister Humphreys concluded by thanking the Senators for their initiative in bringing forward the Bill, which she has asked the Stakeholder Group to consider as part of broader measures to strengthen dog control legislation in Ireland.

For further details on the legislative changes and ongoing consultations, stay tuned to updates from the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.