Wandering animals and horses
The Minister said the Law Reform Commission’s proposals on civil liability for animal damage were under consideration, but he could not give a timetable for a Government decision. Garda prosecutions for animals wandering on public roads were also mentioned.
asked the Minister for Justice when he will introduce legislation to deal effectively with the menace of wandering animals, especially horses.
39.
Comment on this
asked the Minister for Justice if he has satisfied himself that the proposals of the Law Reform Commission in relation to horses straying within our cities are adequate to meet the problem; and when he proposes to introduce a Bill to enact the proposals.
Comment on this
(Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 39 together.
In so far as both questions concern civil liability for damage caused by animals, the position is that the Report of the Law Reform Commission in this area is under consideration in my Department and I am giving the matter as much priority as is possible though I am not in a position at the moment to say when I may be able to seek Government decisions on the various issues that arise.
In relation to prosecutions in respect of animals found wandering on the public roads, these prosecutions are brought by the Garda under the 1961 Road Traffic Act. Any amendment of that Act is a matter for the Minister for the Environment.
40.