Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 658: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps she proposes to take to end the practice of breeding dogs for dog fighting and the arrangement of dog fights in view of the revelations on a recent programme (details supplied); and if the law in this area will be updated. [20172/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Under the provisions of the Protection of Animals Acts 1911 and 1965 dog fighting is among those activities that is illegal. The enforcement of these Acts is a matter for An Garda Síochána who may, on receipt of a complaint, investigate and bring a prosecution against any person alleged to have committed an offence under the Acts.

The new Programme for Government includes a commitment to consolidate responsibility for the welfare of all animals (including non-farm animals) within my Department. There is a further commitment to introduce a new Animal Welfare Bill and update existing legislation, to ensure that the welfare of animals is properly protected and that the penalties for offenders are increased significantly.