asked the Minister for Agriculture if the importation of animals by any circus coming from abroad to this country is subject to the same quarantine regulations as apply to Irish circuses when they import animals; if so, if he will outline these regulations; the number of animals held in quarantine for any period during the last three years; and his intentions regarding any proposed visit by an outside circus.
Written Answers. - Circus Animals.
146.
The importation of animals by a circus coming from abroad to this country is subject to the same restrictions as would apply to Irish circuses when they import animals from the same source.
The regulations governing the importation from abroad of live animals for circus purposes are as follows:—
(1) Under the Importation of Horses, Asses and Mules (Ireland) Order, 1907 licences are granted for importation only from countries of acceptable health status subject to the production of satisfactory health certification from a veterinary surgeon. Quarantine regulations do not apply.
(2) Licences under the Importation of Livestock Order, 1970, are required for the importation of ruminating animals and swine which are subject to quarantine. Licences are normally granted only for pedigree breeding animals. Animals for circus purposes to which this order refers have not been imported in the last three years.
(3) Licences under the Rabies (Importation, Landing and Movement of Animals) Orders, 1972 to 1976, are granted only in respect of animals coming from the rabies-free islands area (Great Britain, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) to which quarantine restrictions do not at present apply.
Any future importation of animals for circus purposes will be subject to the above regulations.