Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 519: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the standards that apply for putting down animals and in particular dogs and cats in County Mayo; the efforts made to find homes for these domestic animals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12474/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has statutory responsibility for the welfare and protection of farmed animals under the Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes Act 1984, and the European Communities (Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes) Regulations 2006 (SI No 705 of 2006). It does not have statutory responsibility for the care and welfare of other animals such as dogs and cats.

Responsibility for dogs and cats at county level is a matter for the relevant local authority under the Control of Dogs Acts, 1986 and 1992, which come under the remit of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

In addition, the Protection of Animals Acts 1911 and 1965 deal with the issue of cruelty to animals in this country. Responsibility for pursuing cases under that legislation rests with An Garda Síochána, who may on receipt of a complaint, investigate and bring a prosecution against any person alleged to have committed an act of cruelty against an animal. Officers of my Department are regularly involved in assisting the Garda in such cases.