A number of measures have been introduced to improve dog control nationwide. They include increases of on-the-spot fines for serious offences to a maximum of €300, and upgrades to local authority dog shelters.
There will also be a new stakeholder group to consider adding dogs to the restricted breeds list. Minister for Rural and Community Development, and Cavan-Monaghan TD Heather Humphreys, says this must be done in light of recent attacks:
"There are some others we are looking at, particularly the XL Bully breed but, that dog is actually automatically on the restricted breed list because it is a cross between two dogs that are already restricted," Deputy Humphreys said, "I want the stakeholder group to hear the different views and give recommendations on the best way we can deal with some of the awful issues we've encountered in terms of dogs attacking people."
