Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
2087. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the practice of giving out goldfish in plastic bags at fairgrounds; if legislation or by-laws exist that could outlaw this practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40400/22]
View answerThe selling or supplying of pet animals is regulated by the Animal Health and Welfare (Sale or Supply of Pet Animals) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 681/2019).
These Regulations put into law certain requirements for sellers and suppliers of pet animals, including minimum ages for sale of certain mammals; record-keeping; registration with the Department; and the provision of certain information about the pet being advertised.
Under these regulations, anyone who sells or supplies 6 or more pet animals in a year must register with my Department. There is a voluntary Code of Practice for sellers and suppliers of pet animals (available on the DAFM website) which provides guidance to sellers and suppliers of pet animal as part of their care and management of those animals.
The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 (No. 15 of 2013) obliges anyone who has an animal in his or her possession or control to safeguard the animal’s health and welfare.
Any evidence of animal cruelty or neglect of an animal’s welfare should be brought to the attention of my Department by calling the animal welfare helpline on 076 1064408 (Call Save) or 01 6072379 or by emailing animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie.
