Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2013
1022. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he will introduce legislation to regulate the sale and keeping of exotic pets here; the supports that are given to State veterinary services, An Garda Síochána and local authorities to deal with incidents of stray or abandoned exotic animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16664/13]
View answerThe keeping of exotic animals as ‘pets’ is not prohibited in either EU or Irish law but their release into the wild is subject to restrictions under environmental legislation. Additionally, the importation of live wild animals or birds is subject to licence under the Wildlife Act, 1976 which comes under the remit of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (a body under the aegis of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht).
Reports of stray or abandoned animals should be notified to An Garda Síochána in the first instance and can be dealt with in context of the Protection of Animals Act 1911 and the Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act 1965 which are currently the main statutes governing cruelty to all animals. The Animal Health and Welfare Bill which I have brought forward consolidates a wide range of existing legislation affecting welfare of animals and when enacted will be enforced by a range of state bodies including An Garda Síochána, Customs Officers and Local Authorities. The Bill deals with the welfare of animals during sale and the sale of animals to minors. It also enshrines the five freedoms that underpin animal welfare and, in doing so, sets out general horizontal rules on feed, shelter, healthcare and welfare that will apply to all animals.
My Department provides financial support to animal welfare organisations some of whom have exotic animals in their care. In December 2012, funding of €1.365 million was awarded to 140 organisations. Members of the public should seek advice about pet care, particularly with regard to the keeping of exotic animals from a private veterinary practitioner and their local animal welfare organisation. Details of the welfare bodies funded in 2012 are available on my Department's website at: -
http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration/animalhealthwelfare/animalwelfare/Listoforganisations150113.doc.
