Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 February 2022
152. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he plans to introduce legislation to protect animals from cruelty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6798/22]
View answerThe Programme for Government places a positive emphasis on animal welfare and specifically commits to the continued robust enforcement of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
This Act provides a modern framework for regulating and applying standards in the area of animal health and welfare and replaced a number of enactments dating back over a century. The Act was passed, after a lengthy and constructive debate in both Houses of the Oireachtas and came into operation on 6th March 2014.
I am committed to the continued application of the Act which is considered fully fit for purpose in protecting animals from cruelty.
My Department continues to enforce the law in this important area along with An Garda Síochána, the Customs service, and authorised officers from the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
My Department works closely with these bodies and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all involved for their work in the field of animal welfare.
Neglect of or causing unnecessary suffering to animals is not acceptable in our society and our courts regularly adjudicate on the issue of unnecessary suffering in cases brought before them.
My Department is currently assessing the penalties available under the Act in accordance with the commitment in the current Programme for Government.
