Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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562. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the docking of dogs tails will still be permitted, even though section 16 of the Animal Welfare Act would appear to prohibit such practices for cosmetic purposes. [48825/13]

Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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563. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure that draft regulations under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, will not allow the docking of tails and removal of dew claws of dogs under four days old without anaesthetic for cosmetic purposes, as this is completely prohibited by the Veterinary Council of Ireland. [48843/13]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
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609. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the concerns, raised by the ISPCA and others, that the provision to allow for the docking of tails and dew claw removal by non-veterinary trained persons for cosmetic reasons should be excluded from the Animal Health and Welfare Act regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49497/13]

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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614. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider ending the unnecessary cruel practice of tail docking and dew claw removal in certain dogs. [49606/13]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 562, 563, 609 and 614 together.

The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 (Section 16) prohibits the carrying out of procedures that may cause pain/suffering to animals, including certain husbandry related procedures, unless provided for under Regulations to be made under the Act. I propose to commence the Act shortly and, in this context, a number of draft regulations covering a wide range of issues are in the course of preparation to coincide with its commencement.

With regard to the specific issue on tail docking of dogs’ tails, the current legislation (the Protection of Animals Amendment Act (1965)), allows for tail docking of all dogs up to 1 month old by any person. My officials have met with a number of groups who made representations in relation to an appropriate approach to the docking of dog’s tails. The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 specifically prohibits the docking of a dogs tail for cosmetic purposes and under no circumstances will this be allowed. I am currently considering whether tail docking should be permitted in very limited circumstances in relation to working dogs, specifically terriers, spaniels and pointers. A fundamental element involved in drafting the regulations mentioned above will be to ensure the welfare of all animals, including dogs.