Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 May 2012
401 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied with the views of Horse Racing Ireland and the Turf Club that current legislation is silent in relation to the issue of welfare of horses while in training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23647/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's responsibility, which is set down in legislation, currently extends to the welfare and protection of farmed animals only i.e. animals normally bred or kept for the production of food or for use in or for the purpose of farming. The relevant legislation in this area is the Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes Act 1984 and the European Communities (Welfare of Farmed Animals) Regulations 2010, SI 311 of 2010. Animals "used in competitions/shows, cultural or sporting events or activities while so being used" are outside the scope of SI 311 of 2010.
The principal statutes governing cruelty to all animals, including race horses, are the Protection of Animals Act 1911 and the Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act, 1965. Responsibility for enforcing this legislation rests with An Garda Síochána who may, on receipt of a complaint, investigate and bring a prosecution against any person alleged to have committed an offence under these Acts. An individual may report matters to the Gardaí or indeed if he or she wishes to institute civil proceedings.
The Programme for Government 2011 contains a commitment to strengthen legislation on animal cruelty and animal welfare. The main vehicle to fulfil this commitment is the new Animal Health and Welfare Bill which consolidates and updates existing legislation in the area of animal welfare and brings the responsibility for the welfare of all animals under the remit of my Department. The Bill is currently being considered by the Oireachtas.
402 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his responsibility in relation to the welfare of horses in Ireland especially those involved in the horse-racing industry and if he has any role in enforcing standards in this legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23648/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's responsibility, which is set down in legislation, currently extends to the welfare and protection of farmed animals only i.e. animals normally bred or kept for the production of food or for use in or for the purpose of farming. The relevant legislation in this area is the Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes Act 1984 and the European Communities (Welfare of Farmed Animals) Regulations 2010, SI 311 of 2010. Animals "used in competitions/shows, cultural or sporting events or activities while so being used" are outside the scope of SI 311 of 2010.
The principal statutes governing cruelty to all animals, including race horses, are the Protection of Animals Act 1911 and the Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act, 1965. Responsibility for enforcing this legislation rests with An Garda Síochána who may, on receipt of a complaint, investigate and bring a prosecution against any person alleged to have committed an offence under these Acts. An individual may report matters to the Gardaí or indeed if he or she wishes to institute civil proceedings.
The Programme for Government 2011 contains a commitment to strengthen legislation on animal cruelty and animal welfare. The main vehicle to fulfil this commitment is the new Animal Health and Welfare Bill which consolidates and updates existing legislation in the area of animal welfare and brings the responsibility for the welfare of all animals under the remit of my Department. The Bill is currently being considered by the Oireachtas.
