The Minister for Agriculture and Charlie McConalogue has written to his ministerial colleagues in an effort to tighten the laws around the control of dogs.
The Donegal TD is leading a review of dog control, microchipping, licensing and enforcement.
Minister McConalogue is taking the action after a young boy was assaulted by a pit bull terrier, in Co Wexford last month.
Local farming officials including Kevin Comiskey, the IFA National Sheep Committee have called for changes to be made in relation to the laws after several vicious dog attacks on sheep in recent years.
Minister Heather Humprehy’s Rural and Community Development Department is in charge of the Control of Dogs Act.
The Department of Agriculture is the lead on microchipping and Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien’s Department oversees local authorities, who are responsible for policing and enforcement.
Minister McConalogue will also announce funding later today to nearly 100 animal welfare charities as part of Animal Welfare Awareness Day.
