Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 October 2025
643. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration has been given to preparing a "positive list" i.e. a list of species permitted to be kept as pets by private owners, particularly given the recent public outcry following footage of a zebra inside a pub in County Clare. [56728/25]
View answerIn November 2021, the then Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, established the Advisory Council on Companion Animal Welfare (ACCAW) comprising independent members, with a range of expertise and experience.
ACCAW advises me on policy matters and where appropriate, issues guidelines and recommendations in relation to companion animals. Among items under consideration, by ACCAW, is a positive list of species permitted to be kept as pets. ACCAW will revert to me when they have fully considered the matter.
The matter of animal welfare is a constantly evolving topic and all aspects are kept under on-going review.
