Animal Welfare

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 May 2014

Thursday, 15 May 2014

Questions (157)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

157. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the regulations in place, if any, in relation to the euthanising of dogs in local authority pounds; if his Department has received reports in relation to the euthanising of almost 100 animals in a dog pound (details supplied) recently, just prior to a ministerial visit, most of which were restricted breeds under the Control of Dogs Act 1998; if he will carry out any investigation into this alleged incident; if he has referred the matter to the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine under the Animal Health and Welfare Acts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22046/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

Provisions allowing for dogs to be put down in certain circumstances are contained in the Control of Dogs Act 1986 and, in relation to dogs and other animals, in the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.

The operation of dog pounds is a matter for local authorities, whether the pounds are directly under the control of those authorities or whether the service is contracted by authorities, and my Department has no direct role in this. Neither I nor the Ministers of State in my Department have visited the pound referred to in the question.