Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 Oct 1998

Vol. 494 No. 4

Written Answers. - Ill-treatment of Animals.

Liz McManus

Question:

165 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to complaints made in relation to the use of animals and their treatment for film-making in Ireland; the standards or regulations that apply in regard to animals used for this purpose; if he has satisfied himself that they are adequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18338/98]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

I am aware that concern has been expressed about the use and treatment of animals in a film being made in Ireland. I understand that the Garda have been notified about the matter, in which case it will fall to them to carry out further investigations.

There are no specific rules governing the treatment of animals used in the making of films. The principal statutes governing the protection of animals, domestic or wild, in this country are the Protection of Animals Acts, 1911 and 1965. Enforcement of this legislation is a matter for the Garda. The penalties for cruelty to animals under the 1911 Act were significantly increased in 1996. The penalties now are a fine of up to £1,500 and-or two years 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 act as a greater deterrent against acts of cruelty to all animals.