asked the Minister for the Environment whether he proposes to take any steps to deal with the menance of wandering horses.
485.
Written Answers. - Stray Animals.
484.
(Dublin North-West) asked the Minister for the Environment if and when he intends to up-date legislation on the problem of stray animals.
I propose with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 484 and 485 together.
In so far as the law on roads and road traffic is concerned, I have no proposals for amending legislation. Prosecutions may be brought in respect of animals which cause obstruction to traffic under section 98 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961. The Act allows for the imposition of a maximum fine of £20 for a first offence. Heavier penalties, including imprisonment, may be imposed for subsequent offences.
The general issue of wandering or stray animals involves the area of civil liability. This aspect has been under consideration by the Law Reform Commission, whose final report in the matter is awaited.