A recent study has suggested it's time to change Ireland's dog ownership laws.
The current legislation solely lists a number of restricted dog-breeds in Ireland.
Kilkenny TD, John McGuiness says that this law is outdated and is calling for change.
Speaking to Beat News, Mr McGuiness believes dog owners must be made fully responsible for the care and actions of their dogs:
"The current law is quite old and it needs to be modernised and focus instead on dog ownership rather than a restriction on particular breeds. The idea of restricting certain breeds and having them listed as being dangerous dogs is a concept from the past."
"These studies show that if you focus on training the owners and emphasising the responsibilities and obligations of owning an animal, that is far more appropriate now in a modern society rather than just listing dogs that are deemed to be dangerous. The owners have to be made more responsible for the actions of their dog."
The Kilkenny TD went on to say that big dogs are not necessarily always the most dangerous. Among those listed as a restricted breed is German Shepard. German Shepard dogs are often used for security and safety work, acting as guard dogs and guide dogs for people with disabilities.
According to Mr McGuiness: "There is no need to restrict dog breeds like the German Shepard, there needs to be far more emphasis placed on supporting the welfare and development of the animal and that would be far more productive. It's not just because you have a big dog that you can expect them to bite, bites are often delivered by smaller dogs".
