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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 4 Nov 1999

Vol. 510 No. 2

Written Answers. - Protection of Animals Act, 1911.

Noel Ahern

Question:

103 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if his Department is responsible for the operation of the Protection of Animals Act, 1911; if he has received a request from the DSPCA for tougher penalties for those convicted under the Act; if he will amend the law accordingly; and if he will make a statement on the matter in view of the many horrific reported cases of animal cruelty. [22105/99]

As indicated in reply to Question No. 305 on 29 September 1999, the Protection of Animals Acts 1911 and 1965 are the principal statutes governing cruelty to animals in this country and they are enforced by the Garda Síochána. If any person has reason to believe that there has been an act of cruelty against an animal, the matter should be reported to the gardaí for any action which they consider appropriate.

I am aware of DSPCA concerns relating to penalties under the above-mentioned legislation. In the context of the Control of Horses Act, 1996, the penalties for cruelty under the 1911 Act were increased significantly. The penalties now are: a fine of up to £1,500 and,or six months imprisonment on summary conviction; a fine of up to £10,000 and-or two years imprisonment on conviction on indictment. This represents a major recasting of the penalties in that there had previously been no provision for conviction on indictment. In addition to the imposition of a fine and-or a term of imprisonment, the court is empowered to deprive an owner who has been convicted of cruelty of any animal in relation to which the offence was committed.
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