asked the Minister for Justice if he will take steps to ensure that local authorities provide proper pounds for the impounding of animals seized on foot of judgments of the Courts of Justice.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Provision of Animal Pounds.
188.
Mr. O'Donnell
I have no cause for complaint at the manner in which local authorities comply with requests of County Registrars for the provision of pounds to accommodate animals seized on foot of Court Orders. If the Deputy brings any particular case to my notice I shall look into the matter.
I shall give the Minister a case right off. We have no pound in County Donegal where we have at least a maximum of 200 execution orders lodged per year with the County Registrar for execution. There is no pound in the county in which to impound any animal seized.
My inquiries do not indicate that the lack of a pound is the cause of any inconvenience whatever and secondly, if the lack of a pound causes inconvenience the remedy is with the local council.
But why not abolish them altogether in all counties if there is no necessity for them?
The Deputy is complaining that they have none.
But the Minister says there is no necessity for them.
You have not got one, so you are happy.
We are not happy: we want them.
That is another question.
Is the Minister not aware that Gardaí are reluctant to exercise their rights in respect of straying animals because there are no pounds?
I am not so aware.
It is a fact.
I have been informed, as the Deputy referred to Donegal, that the people of Donegal do not feel it is a disadvantage or an inconvenience not to have pounds but, if it is, Deputy O'Donnell should approach the local authority.
It is the Minister's duty to approach his colleague.
Is it not the duty of the Department of Justice to approach them? It is their statutory duty to do it.