Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 February 2026
493. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether his Department maintains a central database or cross-agency mechanism to identify repeat offenders under animal welfare legislation; if not, whether consideration has been given to introducing such a system; and if he will make a statement on how repeat offenders are currently identified and restricted from continued animal ownership. [11430/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department takes the matter of animal welfare most seriously and is committed to the enforcement of the Animal Health and Welfare Act, 2013. Prosecutions under the Act are pursued following investigations by authorised officers who investigate matters relating to animal cruelty and neglect. Offences under the Act may be prosecuted in the District Court by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, local authorities and members of An Garda Síochána. Matters tried on indictment are the remit of the Director of Public Prosecutions in the normal manner.
Since the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 came into operation in March 2014, over 200 cases have been successfully prosecuted by my Department and the National Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (formerly ISPCA and DSPCA).
Repeat offenders are identified from their previous offences, as adjudicated by the courts. My Department does not maintain a central database to identify repeat offenders and currently there are no plans to introduce such a mechanism.
