Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 March 2023
606. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice if he will outline the role of microchipping animals in preventing the theft of companion animals; the number of Garda stations that have microchip scanners; the locations of these stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15498/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including any decisions in relation to the allocation and control of Garda resources. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
Having a microchipped animal means found or recovered animals can be reunited quickly to their rightful owners, reducing the stress for the animal and owner alike. An Garda Síochána promote and encourage the microchipping of companion animals, but have no role in the microchipping process.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána does not supply scanners to Garda Divisions to allow for the reading of microchips used in the tagging of animals. As the need arises Gardaí seek the assistance of local vets to ascertain if animals have a microchip inserted, and the vet also provides details of the registration as it pertains to the chip, if available. There is currently no plan for the roll out of scanners to individual stations.
The Deputy may be interested to know that the Department of Agriculture has made regulations covering the advertising for sale of animals under the Animal Welfare (Sale or Supply of Pets) Regulations 2019.
