Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 Mar 1994

Vol. 439 No. 5

Written Answers. - Animal Welfare.

Proinsias De Rossa

Question:

140 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the proposals, if any, he has to introduce legislation to control the registration, sale, grazing and stabling of nonthoroughbred horses, ponies or donkeys and for the prevention of cruelty to such animals in urban and rural areas.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. J. Walsh)

I have no plans to introduce legislation for the purposes proposed. The welfare of all animals is dealt with by the Protection of Animals Acts, 1911 and 1965. I intend to create a greater deterrent against acts of cruelty to animals by increasing the fine under these Acts from £500 to £1,000.