asked the Minister for Justice if he is satisfied with the powers the Garda have to control the sale of ponies and horses, to prevent cruelty and to prevent sales of these animals to minors.
Written Answers. - Sale of Horses and Ponies.
283.
The Garda have no powers to control the sale of horses and ponies.
The Garda authorities have informed me that the consider that they have adequate powers to deal with cruelty to animals whenever it is observed by members of the Force or when complaints are received from members of the public.
As regards sales to minors, section 24 of the Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act, 1965, prohibits the sale of any animal as a pet to a person apparently under the age of 12 years. No doubt in practice this is likely to be relevant mainly to the sale of small animals.