Trevor Sargent
Ceist:145 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will introduce licences for keepers of exotic animals; and if he will introduce any regulations to govern the pet trade.
Written Answers. - Sale and Keeping of Animals.
Trevor Sargent
Ceist:146 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if his attention has been drawn to the fact that wolf cub litters are being offered for sale for the Christmas market; and the proposals, if any, he has for the introduction of a ban on the sale of wolves and wolf hybrids.
Trevor Sargent
Ceist:167 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if licences will be introduced for those keeping tropical animals as pets.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 145, 146 and 167 together.
I have no responsibility for the sale or keeping of these animals other than animal health conditions governing their importation. The Protection of Animals Acts 1911 and 1965 govern the welfare of all animals, domestic or wild, and the Garda Síochána are responsible for the enforcement of this legislation. There is provision for fines up to £500 together with prison sentences on conviction of cruelty. The court is also empowered to deprive an owner who has been convicted of cruelty of any animal in relation to which the offence was committed.