Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 716: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the training and resources which are given to the Garda Síochána to comply with its responsibilities as detailed in the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 427 of 7 March 2006; and if he is satisfied that the Garda has the skills necessary to determine cruelty relating to exotic animals. [15097/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the Protection of Animals Acts 1911 and 1965 are the principal statutes which prohibit the maltreatment of animals. Section 11 of the 1911 Act extended only to domestic or captive animals. However, section 13(a) of the 1965 Act extended the definition to include all wild animals. By virtue of these provisions, it is unlawful to commit acts of cruelty against any animal.

The responsibility for pursuing complaints of cruelty rests with the Garda Síochána. On receipt of such a complaint, the Garda Síochána has a statutory basis on which to investigate and bring a prosecution against any person alleged to have committed an act of cruelty against an animal. Garda management states it is satisfied that its members are aware of their roles and responsibilities under the Acts.