Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 533: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the racing of horses on public roads; if such practice causes cruelty to animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27601/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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My Department's statutory responsibility extends to the welfare and protection of farmed animals only i.e. animals normally bred or kept for the production of food or for use in or for the purpose of farming. The racing of horses on public roads would give rise in the first instance to public safety issues, which are a matter for An Garda Síochána and the respective Local Authority where the activity takes place. If the activity gives rise to concerns of cruelty of animals, it would be a matter for An Garda Síochána to deal with under the Protection of Animals Acts 1911 and amendment Act 1965. These Acts empower the Gardaí to investigate and bring a prosecution against any person suspected of committing an offence under the legislation.