Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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678. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has satisfied himself that there is adequate legislation in place to protect the welfare of exotic animals and pets; if a robust regulatory framework for the licensing, monitoring and inspection of such animals will be ensured; his plans for new legislation in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12236/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 provides for the welfare, including during a sale, of all animals.  The Act says anyone who owns or controls an animal for sale or supply must ensure that the animal is kept in suitable accommodation; is provided with adequate food and water; the sale or supply of the animals does not cause it avoidable or unnecessary suffering; that precautions are taken to prevent the spread of disease among animals; and that the animal is safeguarded against fire and other hazards.  Also, the Act provides that an animal may not be sold to anyone under 16 years of age, or given as a prize to anyone under 16 unless he or she is accompanied by an adult.

EU Directive 92/65/EEC (the "Balai Directive") provides for the authorisation of organisations such as zoos that move certain animals between EU Member States.

TRACES (TRAde Control and Expert System) monitors intra-EU trade and the importation of animals, and therefore serves as a record of movements of animals between EU Member States.

Other legislation under the remit of the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, including the Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2012, also provides for the protection of animals.

The European Communities (Birds & Natural Habitats) Regulation 2011 restricts the importation, distribution, sale or release of approximately 70 species of plants and animals considered to be harmful invasive alien species of national concern.  It is an offence to breed, reproduce or release an animal listed as an invasive alien species.

Animals covered by the EU Habitats Directive, such as otters and bats, are afforded strict protection and may not be sold in pet shops.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES) regulates international trade in close to 35,000 species of plants and animals. It seeks to ensure that international trade in listed species is sustainable, legal and traceable.