The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) is set to be part of a new national stakeholder group on dog control, established by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys.
Minister Humphreys brought the details of the membership of the stakeholder group before the Cabinet today (Tuesday, March 5).
Independent senator, Victor Boyhan, who is a member of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture has welcomed the appointment of former deputy garda commissioner, John Twomey, to head up a new stakeholder group.
“Dogs out of control have wreaked havoc and destruction on farm animals and farm incomes, it’s about time the issue was given national prominence,” Senator Boyhan stated.
“Farm organisations and the [Joint] Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture have been calling for action on this issue for years.”
The group is made up of representatives from key government departments and interest groups and will make recommendations on strengthening the policy and legislation around dog control.
The Dog Control Stakeholder Group will also include representatives of Dogs Trust and the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA).
Minister Humphreys has also asked the group to examine the issue of restricting certain breeds of dogs, in line with actions being taken by regions in the UK, including Northern Ireland.
The group will meet quarterly with the first meeting due to take place later this month.
Dog control group
Minister Humphreys has today said: “I’d like to thank former deputy garda commissioner, John Twomey for agreeing to take up the position of chairperson.
“John is a highly respected retired garda officer and I know that he will bring great experience and energy to this role.
“As a dog owner myself, and someone from a farming background, I’m very conscious of the public concern about dog control.
“We have seen horrendous attacks by dogs on people, including children, in recent months and the issue of sheep worrying in our countryside continues to be a huge problem for our farmers.”
The minister also outlined measures she has already taken such as trebling of the on-the-spot fines for the most serious dog control offences, as well as the provision of €2 million for dog warden services.
“But I do believe we need to take further action and that’s what this Stakeholder Group is going to consider,” she added.
It is a particularly worrying time of year for farmers as lambing season is underway and the fear of dog attacks on livestock remains a threat.