Animal Welfare.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 November 2005

Tuesday, 15 November 2005

Questions (555)

Richard Bruton

Question:

638 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the role of his Department with regard to animal welfare; if he has satisfied himself that this aspect of policy has kept pace with developments in other countries; his views on whether there is merit in restructuring this aspect of policy and integrating all aspects of animal welfare especially in respect of domestic animals in his Department which has responsibility for the local authorities; and his further views on whether there is a case for separating policy with regard to the animal welfare of livestock from the animal welfare of animals kept as pets. [33933/05]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche)

The principal statutes governing animal welfare are the Protection of Animals Acts 1911 and 1965. Responsibility for that legislation, including any proposals for amendment, is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Agriculture and Food.

My Department's functions relate to the provisions of the Control of Dogs Acts 1986 and 1992. The main focus of these Acts is not animal welfare but the control of stray and dangerous dogs such as guard dogs which could present nuisance or danger to the general public or to other animals. The implementation of the Control of Dogs Acts 1986 and 1992 is vested in local authorities which have power, inter alia, to appoint dog wardens, to provide shelters for stray and other dogs, to impose on-the-spot fines for a number of offences and to take prosecutions.