Animal Welfare Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 July 2013

Thursday, 4 July 2013

Ceisteanna (234)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

234. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his proposals on foot of the investigation into pig farming by Compassion in World Farming which found the most horrific cruelty and worst breaches of EU law taking place here, with particular reference to the steps he will take to ensure that those responsible are prosecuted and held to account; and if he will ensure that the mistreatment of pigs is stamped out in farming here. [32740/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department treats allegations of animal cruelty with the utmost seriousness and has been in touch with Compassion in World Farming to advise that if the Organisation has evidence of cruelty to animals on Irish farms, it should be forwarded to An Garda Síochána for investigation. Separately my officials are following up on the information received from CIWF and any violations of animal welfare legislation found on Irish pig farms will be dealt with through the appropriate sanctions.