Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 44:

In page 56, between lines 13 and 14, to insert the following:“(iv) feral cat populations,

(v) animals sold as pets,

(vi) canines used for breeding purposes.”.

On my own behalf and that of Deputy Clare Daly, there was a misunderstanding when Deputy Bernard J. Durkan was in the Chair and we did not have an opportunity to speak to amendment No. 14. We would have liked to have been able to draw attention to the cruelty of the digging-out aspect of wild animals going to ground involving the use of ferrets to the culling of badgers and the use of horrific which leaves them waiting to be shot and their young to starve. We discussed this issue on Committee Stage and I understand the Minister is looking at the vaccination programme. The amendment also concerned the use of animals in circus performances, an issue on which Deputy Clare Daly worked as a councillor. It is welcome that Fingal County Council has banned the use of wild animals in circuses. I say this in order that the animal welfare groups which had expected us to speak on these issues will understand we did not have that opportunity.

I acknowledge the funding given to the rescue centres. We understand that, with the current financial constraints, there is increasing pressure on these centres owing to the number of animals being neglected not to count animals being treated cruelly. There is pressure on them also as a result of the position on both domestic and feral cats. In the domestic setting there are many unwanted kittens and cats that are left to roam. As a result, they breed rapidly as they are not monitored. Feral cats present an increasing problem in many communities. In this context, I have a concern about pest control companies. I have received calls from people because such companies have come and taken cats on the assumption that they are feral cats. They are not animal welfare organisations, not trained in animal welfare and not monitored or inspected. They are business entities. I am following up on this issue in respect of certain supermarket chains which are bringing in such companies to get rid of cats roaming around their stores. Many of these cats have owners, but they are being seen as feral and their owners end up losing much loved pets that have been part of the family for a long time. The Minister spoke about the microchipping of dogs. I suggest we also look at the microchipping of cats.

There are examples of good international practice in this regard. In Rome, for example, there was a successful 15 year programme to trap, neuter and return cats. Under a similar programme in Washington, the city's feral cat population decreased by 90%. Many individuals and companies are doing their best to facilitate the capture of feral cats in order that they can be neutered and returned. I would like to mention a constituency not too far from that of the Minister. Recently a major operation took place on Cape Clear Island which was almost overrun by feral cats. Welfare officers trapped the cats and took them away to be neutered. They were then returned to the island. The Minister should give serious consideration to the trapping, neutering and return policy and it would be cost effective. He should also deal with concerns about pest control companies.

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