Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 299: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the proposed new animal health and welfare Bill; the stage it is at; if the heads of the Bill have previously been published; and when the Bill will be issued. [2350/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Drafting of the Animal Health and Welfare Bill, which gives effect to commitments in the Programme for Government and the Renewed Programme for Government is ongoing in my Department. The legislation will amend and consolidate legislation in the area of animal health, particularly to reflect the changed disease status of our animals and will update existing legislation, to ensure that the welfare of all animals, including non-farm animals, is properly protected and that the penalties for offenders are increased significantly. The proposed legislation will also provide for the consolidation of responsibility for the welfare of all animals within my Department. I intend to submit the proposed heads of this Bill to the Government at an early date this year.