Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Collins to the meeting and thank him for his submission on behalf of Horse Care Ireland. I am interested in the issue of traceability, and in particular, the DNA situation which would apply to both the equine and canine issues that we have discussed. As somebody who hailed from a farm and was fairly involved with sheep, albeit mountain sheep, I am aware of the huge damage that was done and is still being done by a minority of careless dog owners who do not secure their dogs, particularly at night, when these attacks occur. In cases of the worrying of sheep, sometimes the sheep abort, are injured or killed. That issue is perhaps not as prevalent as it was 20 or 30 years ago, but it still happens. It is an important issue.

In respect of the equine industry, Mr. Collins made a point on the cost to society and the taxpayer in the case of dead animals being dumped or horses being sent to the knackery It is much more significant than I had realised. What does Mr. Collins envisage the cost being to a horse breeder or owner? I am not talking about the likes of Shergar. I refer to the people who are hobbyists and have perhaps seven or eight horses, ponies or even donkeys, and who are not making huge money out of it. It is a hobby and they are very caring and loving to their animals. They make sure they are looked after in winter and summer. What sort of cost would be involved for a person in west Cork, for example, who perhaps has six or seven horses and a few donkeys, leaving out the canine side? Will there be extra costs involved in delivering the traceability and microchipping of all animals? Does Mr. Collins envisage there being extra costs for the farmers with this?