Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2015
321. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if it is within his Department's remit to report animal cruelty to An Garda Síochána when reports of same are received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32803/15]
View answerMy Department operates an animal welfare helpline (telephone number 076 1064408). Animal cruelty reports are investigated by authorised officers of my Department and by authorised officers of the ISPCA and DSPCA. An Garda Siochana may also be involved in these investigations where this is considered necessary or desirable. Where there is sufficient evidence, cases are prosecuted by my Department, or by An Garda Síochána, as appropriate. A high level of co-operation exists between my Department and An Garda Síochána in implementing the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
