Vol. 458 No. 4
24 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he has taken on board the recommendations of the ISPCA that fines for cruelty, such as was evident following the discovery of dogs injured through badger baiting, be increased from £1,000 to £5,000 for persons convicted of such dehumanising crimes. [15347/95]
I am aware of the views of the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals on this matter. Regulations were introduced by my Department last year under the Protection of Animals Act, 1911 which doubled the potential fine for offences of cruelty to animals to £1,000, which was the accepted maximum amount for summary conviction at the time. I am keeping the issue of fines under review and I shall not hesitate to seek a further increase if circumstances warrant it.
