Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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88. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of this horrific incidence of animal cruelty (details supplied) in County Carlow; the action he will take to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice; and his views that this is totally unacceptable [3398/16]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I understand that the incident to which the Deputy refers to has been reported to An Garda Siochana for investigation. Since these investigations are ongoing, I cannot comment any further on the matter.

Incidents of animal cruelty such as this are completely unacceptable. Sections 11 and 12 of the Animal Health & Welfare Act 2013, which I introduced, contain rules relating to the welfare of animals and outlawing cruelty. The Act also provides for increased levels of penalties. Under the Act, on summary conviction, a person can receive a fine of up to €5,000. For major cases taken on indictment, the maximum penalty is €250,000 and/or imprisonment up to 5 years.