Vol. 440 No. 4
132 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice if she has satisfied herself that sufficient steps are being taken to prevent cruelty to animals, particularly since the recent scenes on television of greyhound blooding and badger digging; and if she has satisfied herself that the criminal law is sufficient to deal with the matter.
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry, has overall responsibility for legislation dealing with the prevention of cruelty to animals.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that they investigate any alleged case of cruelty to any animal which comes to their notice. I am also informed that they are satisfied with the legislative provisions available to them for the investigation of incidents of alleged cruelty to animals.
The scenes on television referred to in the question have been fully investigated by the Garda and resulted in the successful prosecution of 4 persons in the District Court in one case. The directions of the Director of Public Prosecutions are awaited in the other case.
