Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Feb 1991

Vol. 405 No. 3

Written Answers. - Disposal of Animal Carcases.

Roger T. Garland

Question:

263 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to (a) the serious situation whereby farmers are dumping the carcases of their dead animals into (1) rivers, with particular reference to the Rivers Slaney and Bann (2) dumps and ditches, (b) that at least three animals were washed up at Courtown Harbour recently and had to be removed by the council and (c) that in some cases animals are still alive when dumped; if he will outline the legislation which is in force to deal with such cases and whether any farmers have been prosecuted; whether an increase in dumping of animals in this manner has come to light; and the steps he intends to take to rectify the matter.

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment (Miss Harney)

My Department circularised local authorities in December 1990 about the disposal of animal wastes, reminding them of their various powers of control including those of the Water Pollution Acts, and of section 24 of the Control of Dogs Act, 1986, in relation to livestock carcases. Local authorities have not in response to this circular notified my Department of any special problems arising from the dumping of animal carcases.

With regard to the particular locations referred to in the question, Wexford County Council have indicated that they are not aware of any widespread problem regarding the disposal of farm animals in their area. The county council have, however, recently secured a conviction in relation to dumping of greyhound carcases in the Slaney and have sought the co-operation of the public in reporting any such incidents in the future with a view to prosecuting offenders.

The Minister for Agriculture and Food is responsible for certain other statutory controls in this area.