The Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) welcomes the launch of a national awareness campaign to remind dog owners of their responsibilities.
The launch was announced by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD.
The campaign titled ‘It’s not your dog’s fault, it’s yours’ aims to:
- Raise awareness to highlight the responsibility of dog owners;
- Address issues of dog attacks on humans and livestock;
- Improve dog control and welfare.
The ISPCA is asking all dog owners to act responsibly and keep their pet(s) under “effective control” and always keep them secured.
It is recommended that dogs are kept on a lead when in public places, respecting local bylaws and restrictions that apply in public places, such as parks, beaches, farmlands etc,.
CEO of the ISPCA, Dr. Cyril Sullivan said:
“The vast majority of pet owners are responsible, however, we see many animal welfare cases have been due to a lack of understanding of basic animal welfare needs and legal responsibilities.
“I look forward to working with the stakeholder group established by Minister Humphreys, and independently chaired by retired Deputy Garda Commissioner, John Twomey.”
Dr. Sullivan added that the ISPCA has seen too many cases of animal neglect and that it is important to ensure that dogs are always cared for to prevent them from negatively impacting other people.
The ISPCA met with an 11-year-old boy who was attacked by a dog and the accident could have been easily prevented if the dog was muzzled and walked on a short and controlled lead, according to Dr. Sullivan.
The ISPCA are reminding dog owners to ensure that they can provide a secure shelter for their dog so it cannot stray, and when in public places to ensure that the dog is under full control on a lead.
For more information about the ISPCA and how you can support Ireland’s National Animal Welfare Charity, please visit the ISPCA website.
IFA on campaign
Acknowledging the launch of the awareness campaign for dog owners by Minister Heather Humphreys, Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) sheep chair, Adrian Gallagher, said that the campaign is of importance, as it reminds dog owners of their responsibilities.
Gallagher said: “The irresponsible behaviour of some owners has and continues to cause devastation on sheep farms. This is unacceptable and must stop.”
He added that the IFA will continue with its policy of “No Dogs Allowed” near lands where animals are kept as “this is the only way” to prevent attacks on sheep.
The IFA sheep chair added that there needs to be more enforcement on the ground of the obligations of dog owners, and that there needs to be an increase in dog wardens throughout the country.