Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
2110. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he agrees that an event (details supplied) is in breach of both the current animal welfare legislation and the ban on wild animals being used for entertainment; and if he will take action to protect the animal involved. [42544/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government places a positive emphasis on animal welfare and specifically commits to the continued robust enforcement of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 (Act). The general principles enshrined in Section 11 and 12 of this Act apply to all animals, including goats.
My Department continues to enforce animal welfare legislation, along with An Garda Síochána, the Customs service, and authorised officers from the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) and the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA).
My Department is aware of recent public discussion in relation to the Puck Fair and the potential impact of the heatwave at the time on the welfare of the goat during this event.
In relation to hot weather condition and potential impact on animals, I issued a statement in July urging farmers to take steps to protect livestock during hot weather. These measures apply to the keepers of all animals including goats and include: ensuring a plentiful supply of drinking water; access to suitable shade or shelter; minimising handling and transport during hot weather and monitoring the animals for health issues and signs of heat stress.
During the event, officials from my Department were in contact with the independent private veterinary practitioner attending the Fair, emphasising the need for the organisers to take steps to assure the ongoing welfare of the goat.
My Department welcomed the decision taken by the organisers, following contact between my officials and the independent veterinary practitioner at the fair, to remove the goat from the elevated position on the Thursday morning and again on the Friday morning.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service has advised my Department that the goat is not listed as as a protected species under the the Wildlife Act 1976. Therefore it is not considered that a goat is categorised as a wild animal under the Circuses (Prohibition on Use of Wild Animals) Regulations 2017.
As stated publicly, my Department will continue to keep the matter of the Puck Fair under review.
