Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

It is right and proper at this time of year that issues which impact on disadvantage in our society should be highlighted because most people are focused on those issues which, sadly, we should be focused on throughout the year. While I do not suggest it is in the same category as what was discussed earlier, I want to make an appeal to parents, mainly because it happens at this time every year, to ensure that when their children ask them to purchase pets for Christmas, they would take a more responsible attitude than what appears to be happening.

On my way to the House today there was yet another poignant example of what is happening to what is seen as man and woman's best friend. Dogs are being let loose throughout the streets of Dublin. The number of strays picked up in the past week to ten days at the various pounds has dramatically increased and, in many cases, those dogs will be either put down or simply left in the pounds. Perhaps this issue is not the flavour of the month, but my understanding is that under statutory regulations, any stray dog picked up on the streets can be kept for only five days, after which it is put down. In fairness to one of the dog pounds, its representatives said they do not operate that inflexible law. There is no law to prevent people from purchasing animals, whether they are responsible or irresponsible.

The Leader might feel it prudent that at some point the relevant Minister would introduce regulations. We might even have a debate on the way people could be more responsible. The plea is that parents would be more responsible when children ask them to purchase animals for Christmas.