Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 January 2016
88. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of an horrific incidence of animal cruelty (details supplied) in County Carlow; the action he will take to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice; and his views that this is totally unacceptable [3398/16]
View answerI understand that the incident to which the Deputy refers to has been reported to An Garda Siochana for investigation. Since these investigations are ongoing, I cannot comment any further on the matter.
Incidents of animal cruelty such as this are completely unacceptable. Sections 11 and 12 of the Animal Health & Welfare Act 2013, which I introduced, contain rules relating to the welfare of animals and outlawing cruelty. The Act also provides for increased levels of penalties. Under the Act, on summary conviction, a person can receive a fine of up to €5,000. For major cases taken on indictment, the maximum penalty is €250,000 and/or imprisonment up to 5 years.
