Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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496. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the decision of the UK Government to commence legislation to prohibit the use of shock collars in England from 2024; his plans to prohibit the use of electronic shock collars, or sonic and spray collars for dogs in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21401/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, a person is prohibited from causing unnecessary pain or suffering or endangering the health and welfare of any animal. The Act also provides that a person having possession of an animal must ensure that the animal is kept in a manner that safeguards its health and welfare.

All legislation under the remit of my Department is kept under constant review, including legislation to ensure the health and welfare of canines. The Advisory Council on Companion Animal Welfare, which I established under an independent chair as part of my Department's wider animal welfare strategy, advises me on such matters and I will ask them to consider this issue.