Michael P. Kitt
Question:141 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the restrictions, if any, there are on bringing wolves and other wild animals into this State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16179/95]
Written Answers. - Importation of Wild Animals.
The statutory restriction in place regarding the importation of wild animals, including wolves, into the State are set out in (a) the Wildlife Act, 1976 (Control of Importation of Wild Animals and Wild Birds) Regulations, 1989 (S.I. No. 296 of 1989); (b) Council Regulation (EEC) No. 3636/82, as last amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No. 558/95, on the implementation in the Community of the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora (CITIES); and (c) the Rabies Orders 1972-1976.
The regulations at (a) are designed to regulate the importation of wild species which, if released into the wild, may have an adverse effect on our indigenous wildlife habitat or species. Importation is prohibited without a licence from my Department and each case is examined on its merits.
The regulations at (b) impose restrictions on the international trade in endangered flora, fauna and their products. Listed wild wolf Canis lupus species on which restrictions in relation to international trade operate include the common, grey or timber wolf. Importation of a listed species requires either an import permit or a certificate, as appropriate.
The importation of wolves and other wild animals is also subject to the granting of an import licence by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry under the Rabies Orders, 1972-1976. An appropriate period of quarantine would form part of the licence requirements.