asked the Minister for Justice if the necessary finances have been made available to local authorities, with particular reference to Dublin County Council and Dublin Corporation, to operate the Animals Act, 1985, in particular to section 4.
165.
Written Answers. - Animals Act Enforcement.
164.
asked the Minister for Justice if the Animals Act, 1985, is now law; and, if so, if he will state when the Garda will commence to enforce it, with particular reference to section 4.
Limerick East): It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 164 and 165 together.
Under a commencement order which I signed on 16 September 1985 the Animals Act, 1985, came into operation on 20 September 1985. Accordingly, it is a matter for the Garda Síochána and the other enforcement agencies to enforce it as the necessity arises.
I am not aware that any local authority has requested additional funds arising from the operation of the Act. I should point out in this connection that it is intended, as was mentioned during the Second Stage debate on the Bill, that the impounding provisions in the Act should be self-financing, as far as possible, through increased fines, higher pound fees and, where necessary, the sale of impounded animals. The pound fees were increased with effect from 21 September 1985 and are set out in the Second Schedule to the Pounds Regulations, 1985.