Written answers

Tuesday, 26 April 2022

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Domestic Pets

Photo of Paul KehoePaul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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1909. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the checks and follow-ups that are being carried out on animals (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20535/22]

Photo of Charlie McConalogueCharlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Recognising the exceptional circumstance created by the invasion of Ukraine, temporary humanitarian arrangements have been put in place, to allow people travelling from Ukraine to Ireland to be accompanied by their pets, even if the pets are not in compliance with EU Travel Regulations.  In accordance with Article 32 of Regulation (EU) 576/2013 and, by way of derogation from the conditions provided for non-commercial movements of pet animals, Member States may, in exceptional situations, authorise the non-commercial movement into their territory of pet animals which do not comply with the conditions in Regulation (EU) 576/2013.

Refugees from the Ukraine are allowed to enter Ireland with their pets under specific conditions. In the first instance, they must pre-notify by email the point of entry they will be arriving to in advance and animals must be presented to Department staff at the point of entry for examination.

Where pets are not fully compliant with EU regulations, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine veterinary services are taking steps to bring these animals into compliance with the legislative travel requirements, to protect our domestic population and protect public health. These measures include microchipping animals, providing tapeworm treatment and rabies vaccination for pets, as required. Pet owners are provided with information translated into Ukrainian, on how to manage their pet in home isolation, where relevant. Department staff follow up with the pet owners to advise them on the necessary requirements to bring these pets into compliance with EU Pet Travel regulations. My Department staff have arrangements in place with private veterinarians to provide the treatments to bring Ukrainian pets into compliance at no cost to their owners.  This exceptional response is being kept under review.

All other movements of animals (unaccompanied, commercial, unknown origin, stray animals, animals from shelters) that do not meet regular requirements for entry, cannot be accepted into Ireland without full compliance with legislatively prescribed health certification.

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