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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Feb 1983

Vol. 340 No. 1

Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Wandering Animals.

38.

asked the Minister for Justice when he will introduce legislation to deal effectively with the menace of wandering animals, especially horses.

39.

asked the Minister for Justice if he has satisfied himself that the proposals of the Law Reform Commission in relation to horses straying within our cities are adequate to meet the problem; and when he proposes to introduce a Bill to enact the proposals.

(Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 39 together.

In so far as both questions concern civil liability for damage caused by animals, the position is that the Report of the Law Reform Commission in this area is under consideration in my Department and I am giving the matter as much priority as is possible though I am not in a position at the moment to say when I may be able to seek Government decisions on the various issues that arise.

In relation to prosecutions in respect of animals found wandering on the public roads, these prosecutions are brought by the Garda under the 1961 Road Traffic Act. Any amendment of that Act is a matter for the Minister for the Environment.

40.

asked the Minister for Justice if there are proposals to amend the law relating to dogs for the purpose of ensuring greater control of potentially dangerous animals.

41.

asked the Minister for Justice if consideration has yet been given to the memorandum submitted by the national action committee for dog control; and if it is intended to implement the recommendation in that memorandum.

(Limerick East): A Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 41 together.

A copy of the memorandum prepared by the National Action Committee for Dog Control has been received in my Department. In relation to the proposal for the establishment of a national dog warden service, I should say that this is not a matter primarily for my Department and I do not consider that the control of stray dogs is a matter for the Garda Síochána. Accordingly, I have no proposals for legislation relating to these matters.

As a related issue may I say that the Law Reform Commission have prepared a report and draft Bill on the subject of civil liability for damage caused by animals. The main proposal in the report is that the keeper of any animal which causes injury should be strictly liable therefor.

This report is under examination in my Department but I am not in a position at present to say when I am likely to be in a position to seek Government decisions on the various issues that arise.

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