Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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1531. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he plans to introduce new legislation to protect animals from cruelty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41715/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Programme for Government places a positive emphasis on animal welfare and specifically commits to the continued robust enforcement of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.

This Act provides a modern framework for regulating and applying standards in the area of animal health and welfare and replaced a number of enactments dating back over a century. The Act was passed, after a lengthy and constructive debate in both Houses of the Oireachtas and came into operation on 6 March 2014.

I am committed to the continued application of the Act which is considered fully fit for purpose.

Neglect of or causing unnecessary suffering to animals is not acceptable in our society. My Department continues to enforce the law in this important area along with An Garda Síochána, the Customs service, the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

The Department also provides support to animal welfare organisations to assist in rescuing and supporting the welfare of animals and to Local Authorities in supporting horse projects in urban areas. The Department works closely with these bodies and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all involved for their work in the field of animal welfare.

It remains my policy that animal welfare standards are vigorously applied in a fair and even-handed manner. Those responsible for causing unnecessary suffering to animals or being negligent regarding animal welfare will continue to held to account and sanctions applied up to and including prosecution through the Courts as and when necessary.

The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 provides for (a) summary offences tried before the district court to a maximum of a €5,000 fine or six months imprisonment (b) offences that may be tried on indictment before the circuit court may be fined up to €250,000 and/or imprisonment for a period of up to five years.

In addition, the courts may prohibit a person from keeping animals for a period which may include his/her lifetime.

The Department is assessing the penalties available under the Act in accordance with the commitment in the current Programme for Government.