Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 439: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the role of her Department in relation to animal welfare; if she is satisfied that this aspect of policy has kept pace with developments in other countries; her views on whether there is merit in restructuring this aspect of policy and integrating all aspects of animal welfare especially in respect of domestic animals in the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government which has responsibility for the local authorities; and her further views on whether there is a case for separating policy in relation to the animal welfare of livestock from the animal welfare of animals kept as pets. [33934/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The position is that my Department has statutory responsibility in relation to welfare and protection of farmed animals. The Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes Act 1984 and the European Communities (Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes) Regulations 2000 is the legislation that applies in this area. In addition, the welfare of calves and pigs is subject to the European Communities (Welfare of Calves and Pigs) Regulations 2003 which set out minimum requirements for accommodation in relation to space, lighting, ventilation, veterinary treatment etc. and to allow animals to express natural behaviour. Laying hens are subject to the provisions of the European Communities (Welfare of Laying Hens) Regulations 2002 which specify the accommodation and other welfare requirements for keeping and rearing laying hens. In addition, my Department provides funding on an ex gratia basis to organisations involved in the direct delivery of animal care and welfare services.

The Protection of Animals Act 1911 and the Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act 1965 are the principal statutes governing cruelty to animals generally, including non-farmed animals. The responsibility for pursuing complaints under that legislation rests with the Garda Síochána. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has functional responsibility for the operation of the Control of Dogs Acts 1986 and 1992 as well as for the protection of wild life species under the provisions of the Wildlife Acts. Local authorities have responsibilities in relation to the control of horses legislation. The current arrangements for implementing the legislation in this area operate in a satisfactory manner and ensure a high standard of animal welfare. Consequently, there are no current proposals to change the respective areas of responsibilities.