Vol. 457 No. 1
147 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice her views on whether all necessary measures are taken at ports of entry to deal with persons entering this country with fighting dogs to engage in badger baiting and other similar illegal activities. [15008/95]
The issue of measures at ports of entry to deal with animals entering this country is a matter for Customs and Excise and I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the importation into the State of dogs from places outside Great Britain, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man is prohibited under the Importation of Dogs and Cats Orders, 1929 to 1970 and the Rabies (Importation, Landing and Movement of Animals) Orders 1972 and 1976 save under licence-permit issued by the Department of Agricultures, Food and Forestry. Animals imported in breach of the regulations are liable to seizure by Customs and Excise officials. The crews of continental ferries and the public in general are alert to the dangers of the importation of rabies and frequently advise Customs of suspected breaches of the Regulations.
There is no prohibition on the importation of dogs from Great Britain, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man and Customs staff have therefore no direct role to play in relation to such importations. If however, customs staff suspect that dogs from these areas are being imported for unlawful purposes, it is their policy to alert the gardaí who fully investigate all such matters which come to their attention.
I have asked my Department to carry out a review of the current situation in relation to the Garda authorities' role in cases of illegal importation of animals.
