Vol. 475 No. 7
235 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the extent of trade in greyhounds between Ireland and Spain; if Bord na gCon is satisfied with the operation of greyhound tracks in Spain to which Irish dogs are sent; the steps, if any, which are being taken to prosecute perpetrators of cruelty to greyhounds in Ireland; and the plans, if any, there are to eliminate cruelty in future. [5709/97]
The position regarding exports of greyhounds to Spain and the operation of greyhound tracks in Spain is set out in my reply to Question No. 112 of 18 December 1996.
The prosecution of offences of cruelty to animals, including greyhounds, is a matter for the Garda Síochána. By virtue of the Control of Horses Act, 1996 (Commencement Order), 1997 (S.I. No. 99 of 1997), introduced on 3 March 1997, the penalties for cruelty under the Protection of Animals Act, 1911, have been increased to a fine of up to £1,500 and/or six months imprisonment on summary conviction and a fine of up to £10,000 and/or two years imprisonment on conviction on indictment. These new penalties are the result of a major recasting of the penalties under the 1911 Act by Section 48 of the Control of Horses Act, 1996. These significantly tougher measures will be supported by the vast majority of people and will act as a greater deterrent against acts of cruelty to all animals.
