Vol. 478 No. 3
102 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if his attention has been drawn to concerns regarding cruelty to hares and rabbits and their association with the training of greyhounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10992/97]
Presumably the Deputy is referring to the blooding of greyhounds. I want to make it clear, as I indicated in the House on 26 March, 1997 in response to Questions Nos. 41 and 202, that I totally condemn such activity as well as all acts of cruelty to animals I would urge anyone who is aware of cases of cruelty to alert the gardaí.
Where persons connected with the greyhound industry are alleged to be involved in the blooding of greyhounds, Bord na gCon has wide-ranging legislative powers to undertake investigations and, following this, to exclude any person from participating in the racing or public sale of greyhounds by means of a special exclusion order.
The Deputy will be aware that, in order to reflect public feeling on the question of cruelty to animals, I recently increased significantly the penalites for cruelty under the Protection of Animals Act, 1911.
The new penalties are: 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.
I believe that these 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.
