Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 November 2011
448 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures in place to ensure compliance with legislation such as the European Communities (Welfare of Farmed Animals) Regulations 2010; and his view on whether this is sufficient to safeguard high standards of animal welfare. [32539/11]
View answerMy Department has responsibility for enforcing the European Communities (Welfare of Farmed Animals) Regulations S.I. No. 311 of 2010, which give effect to a series of European Directives concerning the protection of farmed animals. The Regulations require that owners and keepers of animals take all necessary steps to ensure the welfare of animals in their possession or under their care. Compliance with these regulations is enforced through the appointment of authorised officers and sanctions are applied for breaches of the legislation, which include conviction, fines and/or terms of imprisonment.
The Dog Breeding Establishment Act (2010) is outside the scope of my function and is a matter for my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government.
