Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

In response to questions on the "Prime Time" programme, Mr. Dollard referenced a report and stated that Bord na gCon had rehomed 1,000 dogs but that there was no accounting for the other 5,000 or 6,000. He stated that that was because Bord na gCon did not have an accurate database. He also mentioned that legislation on traceability and so on was to be commenced and that animal welfare was a priority action for the board. However, there was clearly a practice down the years - we do not know to what extent - against which no action was taken. Did Bord na gCon press the Government or the Department to introduce the legislation? Why is the board's action only coming after the "Prime Time" exposé? I presume that the board knew what had been happening. To what extent was it aware? Surely it was concerned about being unable to account for the dogs and wanted the matter delved into. Why is action only happening now after the problem has been put into the public domain? That is an issue for most people, particularly in light of the large sums of public funding that Bord na gCon gets.