Vol. 308 No. 2
asked the Minister for Agriculture if the provision of cages, nets, protective clothing, animal handlers, transport and pounds is the responsibility of local authorities, or his Department in the event of an outbreak of rabies; and if the Garda and the Army would be available in those circumstances.
435.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if arrangements have been entered into, or if it is proposed to enter into arrangements, to allow voluntary societies such as the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to assist in coping with an outbreak of rabies.
436.
asked the Minister for Agriculture the number of muzzles, leads and other necessary restraints for dogs which could be made available in the event of an outbreak of rabies; if he has come to any arrangement with manufacturers for the supply of muzzles; and if moulds are available from which manufacturers could turn out supplies immediately.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to take Questions Nos. 434, 435 and 436 together.
In the event of an outbreak of rabies the primary responsibility for implementing the Rabies Order, 1976 rests with my Department. In such an event, the services of the Garda, the Army, the Department of Health and local authorities would be used and the assistance of voluntary societies such as the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals would be welcomed.
My Department have already provided supplies of equipment for catching and holding suspected dogs and cats at each of the district veterinary offices throughout the country and at other centres. The provision of pounds for holding stray dogs and other animals is the responsibility of the local authorities under the Pounds Regulations, 1938.
Under the Rabies Order, 1976 the onus of providing leashes or leads and muzzles for dogs rests with their owners. The order provides that during an outbreak of rabies all dogs should be securely confined at all times within their owners' premises. However, it would be permissible to exercise dogs outside those premises provided they are held securely on leashes and are fitted with muzzles. In the event of additional or emergency supplies of leashes and muzzles, including moulds for the manufacture of plastic muzzles, or other equipment being required, sources of supply are available.
