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Parliamentary Questions and Answers
Question 79 - Answered on 24th September 2013
Clare Daly, TD (Dublin North, United Left):
To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the evidence of a National Parks and Wildlife Service Ranger is sufficient in relation to a prosecution for animal cruelty; and the steps open to a person who makes a complaint where such evidence has not being taken into account.
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Simon Coveney (Cork South-Central, Fine Gael):
The National Parks and Wildlife Service officers do not come within the scope of my function. The Deputy will be aware that under the Protection of Animals Acts 1911 and 1965, responsibility for prosecutions rests with An Garda Síochána.
If the Deputy wishes to forward details of a specific case involving animal cruelty, my Department will be happy to examine the evidence and refer to An Garda Síochána as appropriate.