asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing problems associated with unattended horses roaming in the Dublin 8, 10, 11, 15, 20 and 22 areas; that such horses have been responsible for fatal accidents, are causing damage to public and private property, create a general nuisance for the residents of these districts, continue to pose a danger to the general public and are likely to cause further traffic accidents; if he will give details of the total number of horses which have been rounded up and impounded since the Animals Act was amended in 1985; if he has considered a further amendment to the legislation which would increase the pound fee to a level that would deter owners from allowing their horses to stray; if he will consult with the local authorities with a view to their making available part of their unutilised land bank in these districts to accommodate such horses; if he has satisfied himself that present legislation is adequate to ensure that no danger is posed to the public; and if he will make a statement of the matter.
Written Answers. - Unattended Horses.
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.
The Garda authorities have informed me that they are aware of the problem posed by wandering horses in the areas referred to by the Deputy and that, having regard to the many other demands on their services, the Garda are taking all practicable steps to bring about an improvement in the situation. I am informed that so far this year there have been over 1,000 impoundings of horses found wandering in the Garda divisions which cover the areas concerned and that resources will continue to be deployed to deal with the problem in these areas.
Statistics relating to the number of horses impounded since 20 September 1985 when the provisions of the Animals Act, 1985, came into force are not readily available. The Garda Síochána are currently compiling these statistics and I will communicate them to the Deputy when they come to hand.
The establishment of additional pounds is a matter for the local authority concerned. I understand that Dublin County Council provided a new pound at Boherboy, Saggart, last year and that the question of providing a further pound in their area has been raised with the council by the county registrar.
Pound fees are based on the cost of keeping animals in pounds and are revised from time to time to take account of increasing costs. If a deterrent or punitive element were to be added to these fees, amending legislation would be required.
I have no plans at present for any amendment of those aspects of the legislation relating to animals for which I have responsibility.