Minister for Rural Development Heather Humphreys has launched a five-week consciousness drive supposed to remind canine homeowners that they’re accountable for the behaviour of their dogs.
The marketing campaign will search to teach canine homeowners on the injury their pets can do to individuals and livestock when uncontrolled, with the overarching purpose of fixing homeowners’ behaviour.
The ‘It’s not your canine’s fault, it’s yours’ marketing campaign will run throughout radio, print and on-line media channels till the tip of May.
It follows on from a rise to €300 within the on-the-spot wonderful for sheep worrying, a funding bump of €2m for canine kilos and the institution of a canine management stakeholder group.
Announcing the marketing campaign, Minister Humphreys reminded the general public that canine possession brings with it a “lot of responsibilities” and said that “far too many devastating attacks by dogs on people, especially young children” have been witnessed lately.
Responsible
“I know the majority of dog owners are responsible and do the right thing. But we can all be guilty of thinking our dog wouldn’t hurt a fly,” Minister Humphreys stated.
“No matter how innocent a canine may appear they are often able to inflicting lots of injury. Ultimately, because the marketing campaign says: it’s not your canine’s fault, it’s yours.
“Dog homeowners should be sure that their canine is underneath management always, not working wild endangering individuals, livestock or different dogs.
“I want this campaign to make people think twice about letting their dog loose and uncontrolled.”
Traumatic assaults
The marketing campaign’s launch was welcomed by Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue, who reiterated to canine homeowners the emotional and monetary impression of assaults on livestock.
“I really welcome this campaign. I know how traumatic dog attacks can be to people, especially children,” Minister McConalogue commented.
“I am also acutely aware of the devastation done to livestock by marauding dogs, causing terrible suffering to the animals and both emotional and financial distress to farming families.
“I believe it is essential we have conversations about responsible dog ownership and illustrating the dangers of marauding dogs, protecting people and animals from dog attacks.
“Dogs are a great addition to a home and a family, but owners must provide for their welfare and wellbeing, taking their responsibilities seriously.”
The minister inspired animal welfare charities to “leverage” the marketing campaign to share their very own messages on canine possession.
He additionally referred to as on canine homeowners to make sure their pets get common vet check-ups, nutritious meals and clear water, in addition to enough train and psychological stimulation.
Further measures wanted
Chair of the canine management stakeholder group, retired deputy Garda Commissioner John Twomey, claimed that the marketing campaign is an “important step” on clamping down on assaults however added that it represents “just the beginning of a number of measures we need to introduce”.
“The independent stakeholder group that I chair has an ambitious work plan and I would like to thank them for their willingness to engage so fully with this important issue,” Twomey said.
