Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

My concern with this proposed wording is that it may provide an excuse for neglect. Whether an action is deliberate or by mistake, if it causes unnecessary suffering there needs to be a consequence for such an action. The definition of "unnecessary suffering" is noted in the third line of the paragraph which the Senator proposes to amend. It is defined clearly on page 9 and this definition gives a judge in court an opportunity to make a judgment as to what is unnecessary suffering. We do not want people in defence of their actions to say they did not intend to cause suffering, that the action was not intentional. I do not wish to make light of it. It is difficult enough to be successful in court cases dealing with unnecessary cruelty. I want to have it clear that a person shall not do or fail to do anything that causes injury or unnecessary suffering to an animal.