This month the Animal Health and Welfare
Act 2013 (Commencement) Order 2014 was finally signed into power by the Minister for agriculture, food and the
marine, Simon Coveney. This Act will see an increase in protection for both
commercial and domestic animals for a number of reasons. One of these reasons
is that the Minister for Agriculture now has the ability to delegate powers to
authorised officers, such as ISPCA officers and Gardaí, in order for them to
investigate complaints of animal cruelty. These officers are now able to
investigate private homes and issue on-the-spot fines with the backing of
legislation. The Act also imposes stricter penalties on those who do commit
acts of cruelty such as bans on owning or working with animals and 5 year
prison sentences.
One
of the most notable aspects of the new Bill is the upcoming law on
microchipping your pet; beginning this September, it will be mandatory that all
dogs have a chip by March 2016. This chip will contain a unique serial number linked
to a national database along with the owners contact information. Currently 1
in every 3 dogs in Ireland has a microchip but without the new law experts feel
as if the movement will plateau. Minister Simon Coveney notes that “the benefits
of having your pet microchipped have been well established.” It not only speeds
up the rehoming process but significantly reduces costs for shelters. Lost pets
and owners will be quickly reunited lowering the stress levels of all involved.
This is especially important because, as it stands now, less than half of found
pets are reunited with their owners. Mandatory microchipping will also deter
the abandoning of animals and bring those who commit this cruel act to justice.
Under
the Order, the Minister will also be bringing forward sixteen statutory
instruments including the Prohibition on Tail Docking and Dew Claws (Dogs)
Regulations 2014. Dew claws are the fifth toe of a dog located on the back of
the legs. Tail docking is where the tail of a dog is removed; this is usually
done surgically as puppies though many backyard breeders and irresponsible
owners have been known to attempt the feat themselves with results ranging from
bad to death. This regulation will ban the docking of tails for cosmetic
reasons, allowing it only in very limited circumstances under strict medical
guidelines. Further prohibitions include the attendance
of filming of a dog fight, and new laws regarding trafficking of animals.
The new act modernises the existing laws
under the Protection of Animals Act 1911 and Diseases of Animal Act 1966. It
aims to balance the requirements of the food sector with the need to protect
the health and welfare of animals; so not only is it protecting the health and
welfare of animals but it is also protecting the quality of our food. Minister
Simon Coveney is now seeking to write out codes of practice in order to clarify
what good welfare is.
This new Act will have resonance with pet
owners, farmers, concerned citizens and people who just like to eat meat and
dairy. There will be a conference on the 16th of May to introduce to
new laws, explain the act and discuss the issue of animal welfare. This
conference will take place in Dublin Castle. Dog owners should be aware that
the DSPCA has been holding free microchipping events and to look on their
website for dates. Finally, it should be noted that, for anyone who wishes to
report an instance of animal cruelty, the Department for Agriculture has opened
a new hotline which can be reached at 1850 211 990. All calls are confidential.
Sinead MacFhionnlaoich
GCD FLAC
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