Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

My Department brings prosecutions under the 2013 legislation and also through arrangements with approved organisations such as those mentioned in the reply, the DSPCA and the ISPCA, which are authorised officers of my Department in certain circumstances where welfare issues arise. To date, 47 cases have been prosecuted, and 27 are currently ongoing. I consider that resorting to the courts is in many cases a reflection of failure. What is unseen and happens regularly with these authorised officers and Department officials is they engage directly with cases where there is alleged abuse and try to work with owners to ensure these issues are addressed rather than having to resort to the courts. However, there are incidents where it is required, in the public interest an in the interests of animal welfare, to proceed with prosecutions. I am pleased to say that the courts have taken a very appropriate response in terms of the cases presented and there have been successful contributions which should act as a deterrent in other cases.

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