Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 613: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his Department is charged with the monitoring of the welfare of circus animals here; and if so, the number of inspections of circuses that have been carried out in the past five years. [23021/08]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 615: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the legislation that exists to protect the welfare of circus animals while they are at their permanent bases here; the number of inspections that have been carried out in each of the past five years to date in 2008; the findings of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23036/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 613 and 615 together.

My Department's responsibility in the area of animal welfare currently extends to farmed animals only. Primary responsibility for issues relating to safety and welfare of circus animals lies with the owner or keeper of such animals. The Protection of Animals Acts 1911 and 1965 is the principal legislation governing the welfare of all animals in this country and any person having concerns about the treatment or well-being of a circus animal should report the matter to An Garda Síochána who have powers under this legislation to investigate such matters and prosecute any person alleged to have committed cruelty against an animal.

As the Deputies will be aware, the Programme for Government includes a commitment to consolidate responsibility for the welfare of all animals, including non-farm animals, within my Department and my officials are currently drafting an Animal Health and Welfare Bill to give effect to this commitment. I recently published a consultation paper seeking the views of interested parties and individuals on the new Bill, which is intended to update existing legislation, to ensure that the welfare of animals is properly protected and that the penalties for offenders are increased significantly.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 614: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if European legislation regarding the welfare of animals during transportation (details supplied) applies to animal circuses here; if so, the number of inspections that have been carried out in each of the past five years to date in 2008; the findings of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23034/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Council Regulation (EC) No. 1 of 2005 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations lays down the welfare requirements and conditions for the transport, handling, loading and unloading of animals. Circus animals are excluded from the scope of this Regulation.