Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2024
551. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if any discussions have been had regarding the establishment of an animal welfare unit within An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16309/24]
View answerNeglect of or causing unnecessary suffering to animals is not acceptable in our society. My Department is committed to a policy of vigorously applying animal welfare standards, in a fair and even-handed manner and continues to enforce the law in this important area, as does An Garda Síochána, the Customs service, the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. My Department works very closely with these bodies.
Matters related to operational structures within An Garda Síochána, such as establishing a dedicated Garda animal welfare unit, come under the remit of the Garda Commissioner and you may wish to write to his office in this respect.
