Vol. 427 No. 2
90 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice the number of cases of badger baiting, cockfighting and dogfighting reported and investigated; the number of prosecutions, if any, that took place in the five years from 1988 to 1992; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that in the period 1988 to 1991 there were three recorded cases of badger baiting and three recorded cases of dogfighting. Prosecutions were initiated in one case of badger baiting and in two cases of dogfighting. There were no recorded cases of cockfighting in the same period. 1992 figures are not yet available.
I am also informed by the Garda authorities that all alleged incidents of such activity are fully investigated by them and are brought to the notice of the Director of Public Prosecutions where appropriate. Towards this end they will continue to liaise with officers of the Wildlife Service and/or the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
