Vol. 446 No. 7
69 Mr. Briscoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if his Department has consulted with the Department of the Environment regarding legislation for the control of feral cats, the numbers of which will pose a threat to the pets of the populace at large if rabies enters this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [278/94]
I have no plans at this stage to bring in legislation for the control of feral cats.
The Rabies Order, 1976 sets out comprehensive controls to be undertaken in the event that a case of rabies is diagnosed, including the detention, isolation and destruction of susceptible animals. It is considered that this order provides an adequate basis for dealing with an outbreak. It should also be noted that considerable progress is being made through a vaccination programme in reducing the incidence of rabies in continental Europe.
