Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 December 2022
676. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of cases that have been taken section 38A of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 in relation to costs incurred in respect of seizing and keeping the animal during its detention; and the amount of costs paid. [62019/22]
View answerSince the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 came into operation in March 2014, 121 individuals have been successfully prosecuted. Fines in excess of €109,350 have been imposed.
Thirteen persons have been sentenced to a term of imprisonment which were suspended in 11 cases. One person was given 240 hours of community service in lieu of six months imprisonment. The Probation Act was applied in 11 instances.
Twenty-five persons have been disqualified from keeping animals under section 58 of the Act.
The Department has not sought to recover costs under section 38A of the Act since the 2019 amendment was introduced. Local authorities also have the power to recoup costs under this section. I refer the Deputy to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage who may have further information.
