Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

167. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the procedure for a person to take back possession of dogs seized under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7425/16]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In accordance with Section 38(4) of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, an officer, authorised under the Act may seize animals where the officer has reasonable grounds for believing that an offence is being or has been committed under the Act and may detain animals for use in evidence for proceedings for an offence under the Act.

Seized animals can be held pending determination of any legal proceedings. The Act provides for forfeiture of an animal on conviction of an offence and, if the Court fails to convict, the animal would have to be returned to its owner.