asked the Minister for Justice if any investigations have been made by the Gárda into the allegations of cruelty in the slaughter of calves, and if so, if he will state (1) whether any report has been received as a result of those investigations and (2) whether any prosecutions are pending; further whether, in view of the large number of calves that must be slaughtered as a result of Government policy, instructions will be issued to the Gárda to take steps to prevent the slaughter of calves by unskilled men so as to ensure that in the future the slaughter shall be carried out humanely.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Slaughtering of Calves.
Mr. Rice
Very full investigations have been made into the allegations referred to in the question. No single instance of cruelty in the slaughter of calves has come to light as a result of these investigations and no prosecutions are, therefore, pending. I am satisfied that the Gárda are already active and vigilant in the discharge of the duties entrusted to them in connection with the prevention of cruelty to animals and I do not, therefore, consider it necessary to issue any specific instructions upon the matter.