Vol. 451 No. 2
40 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he intends to introduce legislation to control the nuisance being created by stray horses in built-up areas, particularly in housing estates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3187/95]
117 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will introduce a Control of Horses Bill; if so, the stage of preparation of the Bill; and the timescale for enactment of the legislation. [5488/95]
118 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the proposals, if any, he has for the control of horses in built-up areas; the proposals, if any, he has for regulating the Smithfield Horse Fair; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5556/95]
119 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he intends to bring forward legislation during 1995 on the control of horses, having regard to the problems, particularly in Dublin, of neglect and ill-treatment as well as the ease with which very young people can purchase these animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5727/95]
120 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry his views on the need for a Control of Horses Bill; whether he will introduce a Bill to regulate the sale and treatment of horses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6269/95]
I am pleased to inform the Deputies that, as provided for in the programme, A Government of Renewal, I intend to introduce legislation to control wandering horses in urban areas. My Department has commenced consultations with a view to the early drafting of the necessary Bill. I shall consider all the relevant issues in this matter and I would welcome views and comments from interested parties on the topic to assist in completing the draft.
As regards the specific issue of cruelty to horses, legislation already in place— the Protection of Animals Acts, 1911 and 1965 — deals with cruelty to all animals, including horses. These Acts provide penalties in the form of fines and imprisonment and are enforced by the Garda Síochána. Any person with information about acts of abuse or cruelty to animals should contact the Garda in the matter. An order was made in my Department last year which doubled the fine for cruelty from £500 to £1,000.
