asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he has received complaints about the accommodation available for quarantine of dogs and cats entering Ireland; whether he is satisfied with existing facilities; and, if not, what steps he proposes to take to improve existing facilities.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Quarantine Accommodation for Dogs and Cats.
10.
Complaints have been received about the premises in Dublin formerly used for the accommodation of imported dogs and cats for the statutory quarantine period. These complaints were based on inadequate outdoor exercise facilities and the keeping of dogs and cats in the same part of the premises. No complaints were made in regard to the feeding, treatment and comfort of the animals undergoing quarantine.
Since 2nd April, 1960, new quarantine premises at Malahide, County Dublin, for dogs, and at Sutton, County Dublin, for cats, have been approved and are in use. Each dog kennel is provided with a suitable outdoor exercise runway. I am satisfied with the existing facilities.
Are the new premises provided under the control of the Minister for Agriculture?
I think they are provided as before, with a veterinary surgeon, with the approval of the Minister for Agriculture.
Might I take it then that the Minister for Agriculture would hereafter accept responsibility for some degree of supervision of the premises, bearing in mind that the persons consigning their dogs and cats to these premises do so on the order of the Minister? They are constrained to do so.
I understand the Minister makes frequent inspections of these places. I think the practice is to inspect them about once a month.