Vol. 438 No. 7
209 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if, in view of the recent televised evidence of badger baiting and the media reports of it being promoted as an attraction for visitors, he has satisfied himself that the law is being enforced; the steps, if any, he intends to take to eliminate this practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Garda Síochána are responsible for the enforcement of the Protection of Animals Acts, 1911 and 1965, which govern the welfare of all animals, domestic or wild. This legislation makes provision for fines and prison sentences on conviction of cruelty. The court is also empowered to deprive an owner who has been convicted of cruelty of any animal in relation to which the offence was committed. To create a greater deterrent, I am currently examining the question of increasing the fine from the existing £500 to £1,000.
