Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)

I move amendment No. 18:

In page 16, subsection (1)(a), line 39, after "animal" to insert ", save for normal, necessary farm practices".

The previous amendment is related to the abandonment of horses, and I would like to put on record the excellent work being done by a number of organisations in my own county in caring for animals that have been abandoned. Unfortunately, due to the current climate, people are getting pets at Christmas or as gifts but financially they cannot take care of them, and the animals are being abandoned. Therefore, it is important that resources be made available, although we are living in times where it is difficult to provide those resources. One example of which the Minister is aware is the Donegal Donkey Sanctuary in Raphoe. Danny Curran, who operates the sanctuary, picked up a donkey just after Christmas which was so mutilated it was an absolute disgrace. The sanctuary took it into care and brought it back to full health, and this shows us some of the excellent voluntary work that is taking place to which the Minister referred.

This issue relates to animal fighting. I welcome section 15. It is very important because unfortunately, there are people in this country who are involved in animal fighting for financial gain in many cases. My three amendments in this section are all linked. Perhaps there may not be a need for them. I will accept that if I can get an assurance from the Minister that the word "performance" in section 15(1) excludes any farming activities. I just want to make sure that the section refers exclusively to the disgraceful activities and events in which some people are engaged, such as animal fighting or cock fighting, whether for some kind of fun or for financial reward. If the word "performance" excludes farming activities, I would be happy to withdraw the three amendments.