Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 January 2021
336. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a review of the sentencing regime of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 has commenced as per the commitment in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4720/21]
View answerThe Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 provides for (a) summary offences tried before the district court to a maximum of a €5,000 fine or six months imprisonment (b) offences that may be tried on indictment before the circuit court may be fined up to €250,000 and/or imprisonment for a period of up to five years.
In addition, the courts may prohibit a person from keeping animals for a period which may include his/her lifetime.
My Department is assessing the penalties available under the Act in accordance with the commitment in the current Programme for Government.
