Vol. 457 No. 3
103 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will re-examine the role of his Department in the monitoring of animal welfare in Dublin Zoo, particularly regarding four animal deaths since June 1995, and the continuing problems relating to animal welfare, blindness of sea lions, lameness of solitary snow leopard, acute stereotypic pacing by polar bears. [15295/95]
104 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will investigate the unusual practice whereby the Dublin Zoo vet is also employed on a consultancy basis in Dublin Zoo by his Department; and his views on this obvious conflict of interest. [15296/95]
106 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if his attention has been drawn to the recently published and highly critical Mugford/Lindley report on Dublin Zoo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15298/95]
107 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being encountered by the Dublin Zoo development plan arising from negative publicity as a result of the Mugford/Lindley report and the Simon Adams report, the four animals deaths since June 1995 and the planning refusal for the proposed new rhino enclosure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15299/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 103, 104, 106 and 107 together.
The plan for the future of Dublin Zoo, including the question of planning permission, is a matter for the Commissioners of Public Works. Under the plan the Government assigned responsibility to my Department for monitoring animal welfare at the Zoo and I have put a system of inspections in place with a view to ensuring satisfactory welfare standards. These inspections — announced and unannounced — are conducted by veterinary inspectors of my Department with the assistance of an external consultant, Dr. Greenwood, and are designed to ensure that the wellbeing of the animals is kept regularly and carefully under review.
As regards the specific welfare issues raised by the Deputy, I would mention the following points: (a) three of the four animals that died were euthanised on welfare grounds, and the ageing snow leopard will be considered for euthanisation if it does not respond to treatment being administered at present; (b) the fourth animal died owing to failure to respond to treatment for an ovarian tract infection; (c) the problem with the sea-lions is currently the subject of investigation; and (d) the behaviour of the polar bears is not considered acute and is being addressed through the provision of a new enclosure.
I am aware of the views expressed by Mr. Mugford, Ms Lindley and Mr. Adams on the Zoo and I shall give them due consideration in so far as they relate to animal welfare. In this regard, I am most anxious to ensure that all animals including those in the Zoo are treated in a welfare friendly manner.
The veternary surgeon employed by the Zoo is not engaged in any capacity in relation to the Zoo by my Department. The external consultant retained for welfare purposes has, since his retention, also been consulted by the Zoo on specific animal health problems. No conflict of interest is involved.
