The ISPCA welcomes yesterday’s announcement from the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, on the launch of a major national awareness campaign to remind dog owners of their responsibilities.
The campaign entitled – ‘It’s not your dog’s fault, it’s yours’ – is aimed 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.
ISPCA CEO 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, pet owners’ 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, on reviewing existing policy in relation to Dog Control and Dog Breeding Establishments”.
Dr Sullivan added: “Dog owners need to be aware of their moral and legal responsibilities under the Control of Dogs Regulations. We have seen too many devasting situations of animal neglect, and we should always do the right thing for our pets, ensuring that they are always cared for, under effective control, preventing your dog(s) from negatively impacting other people and the environment. We met a courageous 11-year-old boy, Alejandro Mizsan last year and presented him with a bravery award, following a life-altering incident, when he was viciously attacked by an unmuzzled XL Bully Dog, on the green near his home. While other children managed to escape, Alejandro was not as fortunate, sustaining life-changing injuries that will have a lasting impact. A man and a woman were subsequently jailed following the dog attack, which could have been prevented, if the dog was muzzled and walked on a short and controlled lead”.
if you missed our CEO Dr Cyril Sullivan’s interview on LMFM talking to Ken Murray about responsible pet ownership, you can listen in here:
Anyone who owns a dog or is responsible for its care should:
- Ensure that they provide a secure shelter for their dog so that it cannot stray, thereby avoiding danger to the public and to other animals such as farm animals.
- When in public places, to ensure that the dog(s) is under their full control, on a lead and is not allowed approach other members of the public, or other animals.
For more information about the ISPCA and how you can support Ireland’s National Animal Welfare Charity, please visit www.ispca.ie, email [email protected] or call 043 33 25035.
