Animal Welfare

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023

Tuesday, 25 July 2023

Questions (939)

Paul Murphy

Question:

939. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware that it is illegal to use a wild animal for entertainment purposes, in relation to the upcoming 'Puck Fair' in Killorglin, County Kerry, and that it is also against the law to prohibit animals from the five freedoms' of care; if he will instruct his Department to intervene and prohibit the use of any goat at this fair; and if not, the reason for allowing the organisers of this fair to break the law to capture and abuse a wild animal for entertainment (details supplied). [36606/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Programme for Government places a positive emphasis on animal welfare and specifically commits to continued robust enforcement of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. The general principles enshrined in Section 11 and 12 of this Act apply to all animals, including goats.

My Department continues to enforce animal welfare legislation, along with An Garda Síochána, the Customs service, and authorised officers from the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) and the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA).

The National Parks and Wildlife Service has advised my Department that, in Ireland, the goat is not listed as a protected species under the Wildlife Act 1976. Consequently, a goat is not categorised as a wild animal under the Circuses (Prohibition on Use of Wild Animals) Regulations 2017.  

My Department will continue to keep the matter of the Puck Fair under review.