Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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76. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the action taken to investigate breaches of section 32(7) of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 regarding the destruction and disposal of animals on farm properties in general and specifically in north County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23623/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Section 32 (7) of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 provides that-

The killing, destruction or disposal of an animal, animal product, animal feed or other thing relating to a farm animal shall, in the interests of -

(a) disease control,

(b) minimising the risk of disease, or

(c) curtailing the spread of disease or a disease agent,

proceed, without delay, under the direction of an authorised officer notwithstanding that there might subsequently be a question of the determination of ownership or value of the animal, animal product, animal feed or thing or an issue relating to valuation and compensation in respect of it.

The purpose of this provision is to ensure that an animal being culled for a purpose related to disease control or eradication is dealt with speedily, even where there is a dispute, and that the risk posed is not exacerbated by delay. 

The Deputy will be aware that this past year has been very difficult for those involved in livestock farming culminating with the severe weather event in March this year.  An unfortunate result was that on-farm mortalities as a result of the challenging weather situation would appear to have been higher than in some previous years with consequential pressure on knackeries which dispose of these casualties.The matter in North Wexford to which the Deputy refers was fully investigated by my Department’s local Regional Veterinary Office.  In the circumstances, there was substantive compliance with the regulations relating to disposal of carcases on the part of the herdowner.  A notice was served on the herdowner to underline his legal obligations and there are regular follow up inspections.