Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 April 2004
808 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has plans to tighten up animal welfare laws in view of the recent serious cases of abuse revealed by a television programme (details supplied) and by the ISPCA; and the protections under existing law with regard to deer hunting, dog farming and fur farming. [11631/04]
View answerThe principal statutes governing cruelty to animals are the Protection of Animals Acts 1911 and 1965. Responsibility for that legislation is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Agriculture and Food.
In so far as dog controls are concerned, my Department is currently engaged in discussions with relevant interests regarding the proper management of kennels in regard to the provisions of the Control of Dogs Acts 1986 and 1992. These discussions are continuing and are intended to inform my Department whether, or to what extent, revised legislation or regulatory or administrative measures are desirable in this area.
In this regard, it should be noted that the main focus of the Control of Dogs Acts is not animal welfare but the control of stray dogs and dangerous dogs, such as guard dogs, which could present nuisance or danger to the general public or to other animals. As regards deer hunting, under section 29(1) of the Wildlife Act 1976, as amended, my Department issues licences to hunt deer during an open season. My Department also issues an annual licence to the Ward Union Hunt Club, under section 26(1)(ii) of the Wildlife Act 1976, as amended, to hunt deer with a pack of stag hounds, subject to various conditions. In 1999 the Ward Union Hunt Club developed and adopted a code of conduct for their hunt to address welfare concerns.
The Ward Union Hunt Club is monitored by conservation rangers from my Department and a veterinary inspector from the Department of Agriculture and Food. Prior to the issue of the annual licence written reports from supervisory staff are examined to establish that the club has complied with the hunting code of practice and that the hunt is conducted in accordance with the conditions of the licence. My Department has no function in relation to fur farming.
