I move for leave to introduce this Bill. It is a very short Bill and it deals with two forms of cruelty to which wild birds are at present subjected. One of these is the using of live decoy birds for the catching of other birds, the using of maimed birds for the same purpose, and the using of birdlime and other substances of that kind for the taking of birds. The second form of cruelty, which is still unpunishable in this country, is the keeping of birds in cages so small that they have not room for flapping their wings. In 1925 an Act was passed by the British Parliament making these two forms of cruelty illegal. A similar Bill is at present before the Northern Parliament. This Bill only asks us to bring our law into conformity with the law in Great Britain. I may state that the Bill is the result of a deputation which went to the Minister three or four weeks ago. He has accepted its principle and he states that he will support it in the Dáil.
PUBLIC BUSINESS. - WILD BIRDS PROTECTION BILL, 1927—FIRST STAGE.
CATHAOIRLEACH
Then is it a Government Bill?
No, sir; it is a Private Member's Public Bill.
CATHAOIRLEACH
There is some formality to be complied with in regard to this. The Senator must get the support of a certain number of members.
I have got it.
Does the Bill apply to all birds?
Wild birds, and it also applies to birds in transit to shows.
CATHAOIRLEACH
It simply applies to wild birds in captivity.
Question put and agreed to.