Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We need to deal with this type of practice through codes of conduct or regulation. Section 16 of the Bill allows us to do so comprehensively. I do not propose to accept amendment No. 16 because I believe it weakens the law. I will accept amendment No. 17 because the issue of disfigurement is dealt with in a later section.

Amendment No. 18 proposes the deletion of subsection 2(a) and (b). This section states: ".....without prejudice to subsection (1) a person shall not.....". We have retained the wording, which has been in place in animal cruelty legislation since 1911, namely, "(a) convey or carry, or permit to be conveyed or carried, an animal in such manner or position as to cause that animal any unnecessary suffering, or (b) cruelly treat or beat, kick, ill-treat, over-work, over-drive, over-load, over-burden, torture, mutilate, infuriate or terrify an animal.....". I accept that this is slightly outdated wording. However, it is wording that remains relevant. This section sets out the standards required in the transportation of animals, which is covered by legislation at European level, which applies in Ireland. It is important the law is clear in regard to beating, kicking and over-working etc. of an animal, which is already provided for in legislation. If someone can come up with better wording for this section, I will take a look at it. I believe it is necessary to outline what is meant by animal cruelty. This is what the Bill attempts to do.