Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 155: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will take action in view of reports of cruelty inflicted on tame cats by shooting at close range in the Swords area of north County Dublin where the killer holds a gun licence; and if specific legislation will be introduced regarding the safety and welfare of cats in order that abuse like this can not go unchallenged in future. [7855/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that in November 2005 a complaint was received at Swords Garda Station that cats had been shot at a location outside Swords and a suspect was nominated.

I understand that the complaint was fully investigated by the Garda authorities, who liased with the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA). No evidence of the commission of a criminal offence was disclosed by the Garda investigation.

I am further informed that the complainant was advised of the outcome of the Garda investigation by the Garda authorities and the ISPCA.

Legislation relating to the welfare of animals is the responsibility of the Minister for Agriculture and Food.