Catherine Murphy
Question:142. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of thefts of domestic dogs and/or pets reported to An Garda Síochána in the past three years to date. [24231/24]
View answerWednesday, 29 May 2024
Questions (142)
Written answers
I have sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána, and will contact her again when this is to hand.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51.
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 142 of 29 May 2024 where you sought: “To ask the Minister for Justice the number of thefts of domestic dogs and/or pets reported to An Garda Síochána in the past three years to date.”
As you will recall, I sought the information from the Garda authorities and undertook to contact you again once the information was to hand.
As you will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including all operational policing matters. As Minister, I have no role in these matters, nor can I direct the Commissioner with regard to them.
I can, however, assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda Síochána is central to this policy. This commitment is demonstrated by the unprecedented provision of over €2.35 billion to the Garda Vote this year, which is allowing for sustained and ongoing recruitment and investment in new equipment and new vehicles.
I am assured that the Commissioner keeps the allocation of these resources under continued review, in line with crime and population trends, to ensure their optimum use.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the table below sets out the number of recorded incidents where dog(s) were stolen, up to 27 May of this year:
|
Year Reported |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 (to 27 May) |
|
Number of Incidents |
116 |
50 |
45 |
20 |
Please note that this information is operational and, as such, may be subject to change.
Dog theft is a serious crime and can result, on conviction, in prison sentences of up to ten years for theft and for handling of stolen property and up to five years for possession of stolen property. 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.
The Animal Health and Welfare (Sale or Supply of Pet Animals) Regulations 2019 brought in new registration requirements which anyone trading in pet animals must adhere to. Both the person and the premises used must be registered with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Sellers must keep records of who they buy animals from and they may not sell animals younger than the ages specified.
The Microchipping of Dogs Regulations also apply. All dogs must be microchipped by the age of 12 weeks. If one is advertising a dog for sale, the advertisement must now have the microchip code.
These steps have acted as a strong deterrent, and we have seen a significant reduction in reported incidents of dog theft in Ireland since 2021.
In 2021, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, launched Working Together for Ireland's Animal Welfare Strategy 2021-2025, which is Ireland's first stand-alone animal welfare strategy. Delivering on the strategy and in response to the Programme for Government commitment, Minister McConalogue established a new independently chaired Advisory Council on Companion Animal Welfare. Independent members with a range of expertise and experience were appointed, including members from Veterinary Ireland, UCD, the ISPCA, the DSPCA, Dogs Trust, and others. The Council is a critical stakeholder grouping that is assisting Minister McConalogue’s Department in prioritising and advancing policy initiatives relating to companion animals.
The Government is examining pet welfare, control and ownership in the round. Should any future evidence-based recommendation coming from the work being undertaken by Government colleagues on this important issue include an amendment to criminal legislation, my officials will work collaboratively to establish the best way forward.
I hope that this information is of assistance.