Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
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735. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to provide details of the work reported to be undertaken by his Department on the issue of pet theft; the evidence-based recommendations he is seeking for an amendment to criminal legislation; the nature of the collaborative work his officials are doing; if that relates also to the work of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Revenue Commissioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61252/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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The Government is very conscious of the special place that pets hold in people’s lives, as companions and as a comfort to many.

I recognise that pet theft is an incredibly cruel crime which can cause significant emotional distress to pet owners and their families. It is also a crime which often affects, and is indeed often targeted against, older and particularly vulnerable people, for whom their pet is of huge emotional importance.

The seriousness with which the Government views the issue is reflected in the heavy penalties that can apply to pet theft, with prison sentences of up to ten years for theft and for handling of stolen pets and up to five years for possession of a stolen pet. If a burglary is involved, the sentence may be up to 14 years of imprisonment. When imposing sentences, judges are not limited to considering the monetary value of a pet. The sentimental value and the emotional distress to the victim caused by the offence can be and are taken into account.

I am assured that An Garda Síochána considers the theft of pets as a serious incident and fully investigates all complaints brought to their attention.

The Government and An Garda Síochána are dedicated to preventing the theft of companion animals through a range of measures including microchipping of dogs and awareness campaigns which are led by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in conjunction with the Department of Rural and Community Development.

If the work being undertaken by my Government colleagues on this important issue identifies or establishes any evidence-based recommendations for an amendment to criminal legislation, officials in my Department will work collaboratively to establish the best way forward.