Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to amend the law to make it illegal for circuses to hold performing animals in captivity and use them as part of their performance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47836/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Welfare issues relating to circus animals currently come under the scope of the Protection of Animals Acts 1911 and 1965. This legislation is being repealed under the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which I have brought forward. The new Bill strengthens legislation relating to the obligations placed upon animal keepers and owners in terms of food, housing and general care. With regard to animals performing in circuses, I do not intend to interfere with legitimate recreational and sporting events, including the use of animals in circuses, provided they are carried out in a proper manner and no unnecessary suffering of the animals is involved.