Coalition partners confident of deal on animal welfare

THERE WAS growing confidence among the two Government parties last night that a deal can be struck on animal welfare legislation which had the potential to seriously destabilise the Coalition.

Fianna Fáil and the Green Party confirmed separately last night that they were close to compromise on the most contentious aspects of the Dog Breeding Establishment Bill, which has been brought forward by Minister for the Environment John Gormley.

The Bill was introduced to prevent animal abuse in so-called puppy farms.

Mr Gormley will introduce amendments before the Bill is debated in the Dáil on Friday, that will specifically exclude the greyhound industry from the Bill.

While an agreement has not yet been reached on the other major area of contention – the inclusion of hunting packs – the concessions seemed to have largely assuaged the concerns of a number of Fianna Fáil and Independent deputies, who had threatened to oppose the Bill. In a statement last night, the Tipperary North Fianna Fáil TD Máire Hoctor said there had been “positive moves” in favour of greyhounds.

Similarly, the Independent TD from the same constituency Michael Lowry – who voted against the Government on stag hunting legislation – said that he had secured clear and categorical assurances from the Government Chief Whip John Curran yesterday that substantial amendments would be made to the legislation.

It was a clear indication from Mr Lowry that he and the other Independents who support the Government will vote in favour of the Bill. Under the change, the Greyhound Industry Act 1958 will be amended to cover greyhound breeding establishments and also to safeguard the welfare of racing hounds. A Green Party spokesman said there would be substantial change to the 1958 Act that would make its provisions “equivalent and comparable” to the dog-breeding legislation.

“We believe it is an honourable and workable solution.”

Likewise, Fianna Fáil’s deputy whip John Cregan, who has led its negotiating team, said that considerable progress had been made.

However, it is unlikely Mr Gormley will exclude hunting packs from the Bill. While some Fianna Fáil backbenchers remained adamant yesterday that he gave a commitment in 2009 that the Irish Hunting Association would be exempt, others conceded that a full exemption would be a “bridge too far”. For its part, the Green Party has argued that besides the greyhound industry, which is governed by legislation, it would not be possible to exclude any breed or group. A source pointed out that all dog pounds and dog shelters will also be subject to the registration and inspection requirements.

Yesterday, Mr Gormley rejected charges by Mattie McGrath that he had “bullied” Fianna Fáil on the issue.