Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 May 2024
443. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide an update in relation to legislation due in relation to the theft of a companion pet; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22659/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue of pet theft became particularly prevalent during the Covid lockdowns when demand for dogs was particularly high and huge prices were being paid, which unsurprisingly coincided with an increase in reported thefts.
In response, An Garda Síochána engaged with the public and there was targeted enforcement and ongoing patrols. Gardaí reported a number of search and seizure successes throughout this period, as did customs and excise officers at designated ports of entry.
Dog theft is a serious crime and that can come with prison sentences of up to ten years for theft and for handling of stolen property and up to five years for possession of stolen property. If a burglary is involved, the sentence may be up to 14 years of imprisonment. When imposing sentences, judges are not limited to considering the monetary value of a pet. The sentimental value and the emotional distress to the victim caused by the offence can be and are taken into account.
The Animal Health and Welfare (Sale or Supply of Pet Animals) Regulations 2019 brought in new registration requirements which anyone trading in pet animals must adhere to. Both the person and the premises used must be registered with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Sellers must keep records of who they buy animals from and they may not sell animals younger than the ages specified.
The Microchipping of Dogs Regulations also apply. All dogs must be microchipped by the age of 12 weeks. If one is advertising a dog for sale, the advertisement must now have the microchip code. Together these steps have acted as a strong deterrent, and along with the preventative measures taken and the reopening of the country, we saw a significant reduction in reported incidents of dog theft in Ireland at that time.
In 2021, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, launched Working Together for Ireland's Animal Welfare Strategy 2021-2025, which is Ireland's first stand-alone animal welfare strategy. Delivering on the strategy and in response to the Programme for Government commitment, Minister McConalogue established a new independently chaired Advisory Council on Companion Animal Welfare. Independent members with a range of expertise and experience were appointed, including members from Veterinary Ireland, UCD, the ISPCA, the DSPCA, Dogs Trust, and others. The Council is a critical stakeholder grouping that is assisting Minister McConalogue’s Department in prioritising and advancing policy initiatives relating to companion animals.
Changes to criminal law can only be a part of the answer. The Government is examining pet welfare, control and ownership in the round. Should any future evidence-based recommendation coming from the work being undertaken by Government colleagues on this important issue include an amendment to criminal legislation, my officials will work collaboratively to establish the best way forward.
