Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1213. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding an incident that occurred on St. Stephen's Day at a location (details supplied) in which a pack of hunt dogs entered an estate and killed a fox in a person's garden; and the action he plans to take to prevent this happening again in view of the fact that children play in and around this area. [1326/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am aware of and concerned at the reported incident in Macroom.

The Hunting Association of Ireland has a detailed Code of Conduct in place in respect of the hunting of foxes. I am disappointed that despite the existence of this Code, this event occurred. I have asked my officials to engage with the Hunting Association to determine whether, in light of this event, the Code needs updating.

My Department is fully committed to promoting good practices that respect the welfare of all animals. Evidence of breaches can be reported to the Animal Welfare Hotline operated by my Department.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1214. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the recent case of animal neglect at a location (details supplied); if his Department is investigating this matter; if so, the status of the investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1342/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am aware of and concerned at the reported incident referred to.

Officials of my Department were made aware of alleged mistreatment of equines at the site and collaborated with local stakeholders to address immediate welfare concerns and the investigation into the matter is on-going. 

Under the Control of Horses Act 1996, Local Authorities and authorised officers under that Act may seize abandoned horses that are straying  where animals are located on any site without the land owner’s permission.  In this instance, the Gardaí assisted Tipperary County Council with the seizure of animals which were present on a number of neighbouring sites without the land owner’s approval. The horses concerned have subsequently been re-homed.

The Control of Horses Act 1996 was introduced to address the issues caused by stray and wandering horses. My Department provides financial assistance to Local Authorities for the implementation of the Act. Separately, my Department offers assistance to Local Authorities towards the development of new structures to provide shelter for the urban / traveller horse population with the aim of encouraging young people in the care and welfare of horses.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1215. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he is taking to address current regulations for fox hunting in the area of Macroom, County Cork (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1344/18]

Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1216. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions being taken by his Department in respect of the fox hunting incident in Macroom, County Cork, on 26 December 2017 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1345/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1215 and 1216 together.

I am aware of and concerned at the reported incident in Macroom.

The Hunting Association of Ireland has a detailed Code of Conduct in place in respect of the hunting of foxes. I am disappointed that despite the existence of this Code, this event occurred. I have asked my officials to engage with the Hunting Association to determine whether, in light of this event, the Code needs updating. 

My Department is fully committed to promoting good practices that respect the welfare of all animals. Evidence of breaches can be reported to the Animal Welfare Hotline operated by my Department.