Michael Ring
Question:245 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government whether his Department or the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform has overall responsibility in cruelty to animals cases. [14078/98]
Written Answers. - Cruelty to Animals.
The law relating to cruelty to animals is set out in the Protection of Animals Acts, 1911 and 1965, administered by the Department of Agriculture. The Garda are responsible for investigating allegations or complaints of acts of cruelty to animals which are prescribed as criminal offences under the Protection of Animals Acts.
My Department's responsibilities in relation to animals relate to the control of dogs. Section 18 of the Control of Dogs Act, 1986, provides that a person who is convicted under the Protection of Animals Acts of the offence of cruelty to a dog may, in addition to any penalty prescribed under those Acts, be disqualified from keeping a dog for such period as the court thinks fit.