Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 February 2024
378. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 260 of 14 February 2024, if he will acknowledge that the fox hunting codes of practice he referred to do nothing to eliminate the cruelty inherent in the blood sport. [8749/24]
View answerParliamentary Question No. 260 of 14 February 2024 outlined that, after a detailed debate was held around the general issue of hunting, during the passage of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, the Dail voted overwhelmingly to allow the continuation of fox hunting in accordance with an appropriate Code of Conduct.
In addition to the animal welfare safeguards outlined in my previous response, the Code prohibits the hunting of foxes where the animal is injured and advocates the humane disposal of a fox when captured.
The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 (the Act) specifically prohibits the hunting of animals which have been released in an injured, mutilated, or exhausted condition. Where a specific case of animal neglect or cruelty is identified, offences may be prosecuted under the Act.
I am satisfied with the instruments in place and my Department has no plans to change the existing legislation.
