Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 July 2020
598. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the fines and prison sentences bestowed on persons who are found in possession of stolen animals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17126/20]
View answerI am very conscious of the impact that anti-social behaviour and crime like dog thefts has on the quality of life for residents in local communities. Gardaí are working hard to tackle this, and all forms of criminality in our communities, to make them safer for all members of society.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda National Crime Prevention Unit coordinates a number of Crime Prevention Information Campaigns through traditional and social media. Recently information has been disseminated to the Crime Prevention Officers Network countrywide specifically dealing with the topic of dog thefts.
Together with legislation governing theft, other legislation pertaining to animal welfare, sale of animals and cruelty can be considered when dealing with suspected offenders. The following legislation is relevant for theft of animals and provides for associated offences and penalties:
- Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001
- The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013
- Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act 1965
With regard to figures relating to penalties for thefts of animals, I am advised by the Courts Service that due to the nature of how data is collected, the information is not maintained in such a way as to provide specific figures for either specific counties or nationwide. It is not possible to provide a breakdown of the number of the persons who have actually received the above penalties, as there is no specific code on PULSE for the possession of a stolen animal. Such figures could only be retrieved by a manual examination of each court record.
