Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)

I agree with Senator Bradford. He has pointed out a matter that might require further discussion. This issue has to do with section 8 on animals straying. According to the wording of subsection (4), if a person is in possession of an animal, for example, someone in a contract rearing or bed and breakfast arrangement who looks after animals, and the animal strays, the owner is culpable even though he or she had no knowledge of or played no part in breaking a fence or the fact that a shed is capable of being escaped from. The owner is seen as having committed an offence. I am unsure. Perhaps I am reading the Bill incorrectly, but this provision seems to leave the owner in a difficult position despite having had nothing to do with the animal going astray. There may be a logical explanation.