Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

180. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 73 of 3 October 2017, his views on whether animal welfare inspectors should be present on all transports of live animals as opposed to being present occasionally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18181/18]

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

Live exports continue to be an important component of Ireland’s livestock industry and my Department promotes and maintains an environment in which live exports take place with a strong emphasis on the welfare of all animals being exported.

There is a very detailed and comprehensive inspection regime in place and officials of my Department perform mandatory, random and risk-based inspections on all vehicles involved in live animal transport. In Ireland in the vast majority of cases the loading of vehicles for export is supervised by an Official Veterinarian from DAFM - as the point of loading is considered a critical control point in relation to welfare during transport. The inspection regime in Ireland goes above and beyond the requirements of EU legislation in this regard, highlighting the importance placed on welfare during transport. I am satisfied that the current inspection system offers good safeguards in relation to animal welfare and at this time it would be unnecessary to have inspectors on all transports.

Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

181. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which he is addressing the continued transport of Irish greyhounds for commercial purposes to countries in Asia and elsewhere that have no animal welfare standards. [18182/18]

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

The position with regard to export is that the vast majority of dogs that are moved from Ireland go to the UK.  Trade within the EU of dogs, including greyhounds, is governed by EU law.  Any dogs moved to another EU country from Ireland must be accompanied by an EU pet passport, be microchipped, and have a valid rabies vaccination. 

The premises exporting dogs must be registered with my Department in advance of the export.  Before travel, dogs must undergo a clinical examination by an authorised veterinarian, who must verify that the animals show no obvious signs of disease and are fit to be transported.  Dogs must also have a health certificate issued by a Department veterinarian.  These procedures, including vaccination, ensure that only healthy dogs, over the age of 15 weeks, are allowed to be exported. 

Exporters must also comply with EU law on the protection of animals during transport, while the transport of animals by air is also governed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations.  In this context, I am aware that a number of airlines do not transport commercial consignments of greyhounds. 

Bord na gCon, which is responsible for the governance, regulation and development of the greyhound industry in Ireland, has stated that it does not support the export of greyhounds to destinations which do not conform with the standards in the Animal Health and Welfare Act, the Welfare of Greyhounds Act or its own Code of Practice and standards. I fully endorse this view. 

My Department has a close working relationship with animal welfare charities on all aspects of animal welfare. Officials of my Department have met with the welfare members of the International Greyhound Forum, which includes the Dogs Trust, the ISPCA and Bord na gCon, to consider issues surrounding the export of greyhounds.