LIMERICK City and County Council has been asked to appoint authorised officers to deal with animal welfare issues throughout the city and county.
The call came from Social Democrats councillor Elisa O’Donovan at last Monday’s council meeting when she asked that the appointments be made under the regulations set out in the 2013 Animal Health and Welfare Act.
Sinn Féin councillor Sharon Benson supported the call and said there was an element of “passing the buck” in relation to this issue.
Director of Services Vincent Murray explained that under the Animal Health and Welfare Act, the Minister for Agriculture may appoint authorised officers or appoint by way of Service Level Agreement an organisation to carry out functions under the act, such as the ISPCA.
“An Garda Síochána have, through Sections 39 and 40 of the Act, the powers of authorised officers and may enforce provisions of the Act,” he added.
