asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a district justice adjudicating at a court case (details supplied) in County Galway recently involving a motorist and livestock that were allegedly wandering on the public road stated that his interpretation of the Animals Act, 1985 was that farmers would have to transport their livestock in trailers when taking them onto the public road or else risk taking full responsibility for any accident that might occur; and if he will introduce legislation to provide that all owners of livestock will have certain rights to have their animals moved on foot on public roads.
Written Answers - Interpretation of Animals Act, 1985.
79.
I am aware of the case referred to by the Deputy. For reasons which have been explained in this House on a number of occasions, I could not undertake to indicate, by way of reply to parliamentary questions, what specific legislative proposals I might have in a particular area. Any proposals which may be prepared for the amendment of the Animals Act, 1985, will be announced in the ordinary way in due course.