Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 209: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the status of a new animal health and welfare Bill; the progress made to date in drafting such a Bill and the main provisions likely to be contained within same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1845/11]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The Government has recently approved the drafting of the Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2010. The Bill proposes to amend, consolidate and update legislation in the area of animal health and welfare, particularly to reflect the changed disease status of our animals and to ensure that the welfare of all animals, including non-farm animals is properly protected. In addition the new Bill proposes to increase both the powers of authorised officers and the level of penalties to be imposed with fines being proportionate to the offence. There will also be provisions for powers of intervention where an animal is deemed to be at risk of being welfare compromised and the Bill will also address such issues as the prevention of unnecessary suffering of animals and abandonment of animals.

The Heads of the Bill have been submitted for drafting to the Office of the Parliamentary Council.