John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Question 172: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the legislation that is in place to protect animals from abuse in circuses, horse fairs and so on; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33630/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Protection of Animals Acts 1911 and 1965 are the principal statutes governing cruelty to animals in Ireland. In general, any person who has reason to believe that an act of cruelty has been committed against an animal should report the matter to the Garda Síochána who have the power and authority to investigate and prosecute alleged abuses.

The Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes Act 1984 and the European Communities (Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes) Regulations 2000, SI No. 127 of 2000, include provisions on the welfare and protection of farmed animals only.