asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons found guilty of offences under the Protection of Animals Act, 1911 during the last ten calendar years and the number of jail sentences imposed on such persons.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cruelty to Animals.
40.
Statistics of this kind are not compiled and could now be obtained only by an extensive examination of records in every Garda station. I do not consider that the value of the figures would be commensurate with the work involved.
I would, however, draw the attention of the Deputy to the annual crime reports of the Commissioner, Garda Síochána, copies of which are available in the Library. These reports show the number of persons prosecuted each year for offences of cruelty to animals and the number of convictions. It may be assumed that the great majority of them relate to offences under the 1911 Act.