Seán Haughey
Question:577. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Justice if she will introduce a dedicated animal crime unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55356/23]
View answerTuesday, 12 December 2023
Questions (577)
Written answers
As the Deputy will be aware, policy and legislation surrounding animal health and welfare rests under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
One of the National Parks and Wildlife Service's (NPWS) strategic goals is to safeguard nature and to help prevent wildlife crime. Anyone who suspects a wildlife crime has been committed can contact their nearest NPWS Conservation Ranger or via email to WildlifeEnforcement@npws.gov.ie. Further details are available on the NPWS website.
The Local Authorities also have specific powers regarding animal welfare under a range of Acts, including the Control of Dogs Acts, the Control of Horses Acts and the Animal Health and Welfare Acts.
A person may still also make a report to their local/nearest Garda Station, or in an emergency by dialling 999/112.
As Minister I am unable to seek to direct the Garda Commissioner in regards to the establishment of any Garda units, as the Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business.
However, the Deputy may wish to be aware of my Department's Rural Safety Plan, which is the result of strong collaboration between all the relevant organisations and brings together the excellent work already underway in relation to rural safety. The Plan is not intended to replace, but rather supplement, this work. The vision of the Rural Safety Plan is for people and communities in rural Ireland to feel safe and be safe in their homes, their places of work, and their local environments.
One of the five areas covered by the Plan is that of animal crime.