COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE (1)

Monday, April 23, 2012

MOTION NO. 8

MOTION: Councillor C. King

That this Committee calls on the Manager to report on the number of dog attacks on Humans in the Tallaght area in the past two years and to further report on how many of these were by 'dangerous breeds' and finally how many animals were 'destroyed' as a result of such attacks.

REPORT:

The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government requires Local Authorities to complete the report on Control of Dogs return on an annual basis.  This report requires Local Authorities to provide figures over a number of headings, which include but are not limited to, the number of dogs, seized, surrendered, rehomed, reclaimed and put to sleep within a specific year.  The number of fines issued for having a dog without a dog licence and for not having a dog under effectual control are also provided.  These figures are published on the Departments website each year.  The Department does not request figures on the number of dog attacks broken down in to whether a dog was classified as a Restricted Breed or not.  South Dublin County Council does not record this data.

The Dog Warden reports that not all incidences of dogs attacking humans are reported to the Couth Council.  Of those that come to the Council's attention, it is found that they tend to occur within the family home.  It should be noted that under Section 16 of the Control of Dogs Act, Dog Wardens may enter any premises, other than a dwelling, to carry out their duties.