Animal Welfare Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 January 2013

Wednesday, 16 January 2013

Questions (849)

Andrew Doyle

Question:

849. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 361 of 11 December 2012, if he will confirm that dog pounds, rescues and shelters will be subject to the provisions of the Animal Health and Welfare Bill; if he intends to undertake co-operative action with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government which is only responsible for the control of these animals to ensure the highest standards of animal welfare are maintained in all establishments that keep dogs and horses. [57987/12]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Animal Health and Welfare Bill consolidates a wide range of existing legislation. As such, it will apply in many situations affecting the welfare of animals and, therefore, will be enforceable by a range of state bodies such as An Gardai, customs officers and local authorities.

Section 37(2) of the Bill provides that local authorities may appoint their own personnel as Authorised Officers. My Department will be happy to offer advice to the Local Authority Veterinary Service about the application of these functions where necessary. Establishments such as dog pounds, shelters etc will be subject to the general provisions of the Bill which enshrines the so-called Five Freedoms of animal and, in doing so, sets out general horizontal rules on feed, shelter, healthcare and welfare that will apply to all animals under the care of humans. These rules will complement the specific provisions of the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010.