asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he proposes to introduce amending legislation to strengthen the law relating to the prevention of cruelty to animals.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cruelty to Animals.
8.
I have no such proposal at present. However, I am looking into the question of introducing codes of recommendations for the welfare of livestock and poultry kept under intensive rearing systems. The adoption of any such codes may entail some amendment of the law relating to cruelty to animals.
Are the present laws effective to prevent the importation of bulls here for bull-fighting?
I think the existing laws would naturally prevent the importation of bulls for bull-fighting if the occasion for such importation arose which, I think, is highly unlikely. If the existing laws were found in any way inadequate for the welfare of livestock generally they could and should be amended.
Could the Minister say if there is any truth in the rumour, as has been reported in an evening newspaper, that apparently there is to be a specially arranged bull-fight at the Newmarket festival, County Cork? I am sure Deputy Moore has had correspondence.
I have had correspondence.
I have had correspondence also.
I see that there has been a reference to this and it would be in contravention of the Protection of Animals Acts of 1911 and 1965.
(Interruptions.)
I assume the Minister has responsibility for legislation in respect of the protection of animals. Has he the same ministerial responsibility for prevention of cruelty to birds, because recently I asked a question of the Minister for Lands and I think he assumed that responsibility?
I would have responsibility for birds as agricultural creatures, poultry.
I am talking about wildlife. Would that be for the Minister for Lands?
I think it would be for the Minister for Lands in the matter of wildlife.
(Interruptions.)