asked the Minister for Justice if he will make a statement as to any policy changes he proposes to make to deal with the growing problem of the rounding up of stray horses.
48.
Written Answers. - Stray Horses.
46.
asked the Minister for Justice the amount of money expended by the Garda Síochána in the Ballyfermot sub-district of the Dublin Metropolitan area in discharging their duty under the Animals Act and in particular, in the rounding up of stray houses; the number of man hours spent last year in the rounding up of horses; the equipment which is available to the district for this purpose; the method by which horses are rounded up by the Garda; whether any private firms have been contacted by the Garda to perform any of these duties; and, if not, if that could be considered; and if he will make a statement in relation to the problem of stray horses in parts of the Dublin Metropolitan area.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 46 and 48 together.
Under the Animals Act, 1985, a member of the Garda Síochána or any local authority may impound any animal found wandering on a public road or in any public place.
Information is not compiled on the amount or cost of Garda time spent on a particular operation such as the impounding of stray horses; 409 such horses found in the Ballyfermot sub-district were impounded in 1987.
The Garda authorities inform me that they do not use or see a need for specialised equipment for dealing with stray horses which are conveyed by the Garda to the Garda stations, from where in most cases private carriers transport the animals to the pound.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that they are fully aware of the problem of stray horses and, having regard to the resources of their disposal, they are taking, and will continue to take, all practicable steps to bring about an improvement in the position.
The law relating to the impounding of wandering and trespassing animals was amended as recently as 1985. I have no plans at present for further amending legislation.