Kilkenny Animal Welfare Chair welcomes measures to enhance dog control and well being

Councillor Andrew McGuinness, Chairman of Kilkenny’s Animal Welfare Committee, has welcomed an announcement of measures to enhance the control of dogs and encourage responsible ownership and an allocation of €61,142 for Kilkenny.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has signed regulations that will see on-the-spot fines for more serious offences under the Control of Dogs Act increase from €100 to €300. The Minister also announced the establishment of a €2 million Fund to upgrade local authority dog shelter facilities and vehicles nationwide.

St Luke's General Hospital in Kilkenny feeling the harsh effects of winter

Minister Humphries also confirmed that a high-level stakeholder group will be asked to consider wider issues such as expanding the list of ‘restricted breeds’. This is in light of a series of worrying recent incidents involving dog attacks.

Speaking to The Kilkenny People, Cllr Andrew McGuinness said, “I’m delighted to welcome these new measures announced by the Minister today (Thursday), particularly the establishment of a €2 million fund to upgrade dog shelters as this will help us to cope with fluctuating numbers of dog surrenders that will include an allocation of €61,142 for Kilkenny.

“This funding comes as a direct response to increased pressures on dog control services particularly in light of increasing numbers of strays and surrenders entering pounds over the past year. It will help us to make immediate and tangible improvements to the dog control service,” he said.