Lynn Boylan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for raising directly with the Department the particular point I am raising. Section 38 is the key issue. The example I have given is that horses seized, as with dogs, are held for very lengthy periods. This is not in the interests of the animal's welfare. As I have said, it carries a significant cost for the welfare organisations homing them. The Minister of State said that under section 38A, if the costs are not paid, the animals may be disposed of. In the case of horses, not a single case has been taken by any local authority under section 38A to recoup the costs incurred but not paid for homing any animal seized under section 38. I have confirmation of this from the Department. This is the nub of the problem. People who want to obstruct the course of justice are deliberately delaying court proceedings so these animals cannot be re-homed and the organisations looking after them are footing the bill. This is why it is section 38 that needs to be reformed. The control of dogs steering group report is an opportunity to address both of the gaps on horses and dogs.