Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

These amendments relate to measures to protect animal welfare and which prohibit straying. Amendments Nos. 7 and 8 to section 8 provide for a change in the term describing the actions that must be taken to stop an animal straying from "necessary" to "reasonable". This was an amendment tabled by Fianna Fáil on Committee Stage that I considered to be reasonable and for the addition of the phrase "the risk that the animal will damage the flora and fauna of the surrounding environment". In section 11, I have left in place the word "necessary" as that is really the minimum requirement this Bill requires. Consequently, in respect of straying, the point is that animal owners or those responsible for animals must act within reason to prevent straying but in terms of protecting an animal's welfare, they must act where necessary to protect an animal's welfare. I believe the emphasis is correct with regard to these two paragraphs and again, I believe it was a sensible amendment that came from Deputy Ó Cuív.