Michael McGrath
Ceist:1369. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to ban the use of animals in circuses here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41431/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 17 January 2017
Ceisteanna (1369)
Freagraí scríofa
The conditions under which circus animals are kept and managed come under the scope of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, which contains rules relating to the welfare of all animals and requires a person having an animal under his or her control to safeguard and not endanger the health and welfare of the animal. My Department continues to engage with stakeholders, including circus groups, in relation to the welfare of animals in circuses. According to current information available to my Department, there are a very few domestic and wild animals currently performing in Irish circuses. I have no plans at this juncture to ban the use of animals in circuses.