Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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391. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of times the maximum penalties for animal cruelty offences have been applied by the courts under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013; and if he is satisfied that the penalties provided for in that Act are a sufficient deterrent. [37290/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The imposition of penalties under the Animal Health and Welfare Act is a matter for the Courts and I have no function in the matter. While my Department does not maintain records of penalties imposed by the courts, I am unaware of any cases so far in respect of which the maximum penalty has been imposed. I am satisfied that the penalties set down in the Act in respect of cruelty offences should provide a sufficient deterrent. These penalties are as follows: (i) on summary conviction, to a class A fine or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months, or to both, or (ii) on conviction on indictment, to a fine not exceeding €250,000 or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 5 years, or to both.