Taoiseach orders review of laws to prevent illegal dog fighting

The Taoiseach has asked the Departments of Agriculture and Environment to examine urgently the legislation covering dog fighting in this State and to propose how the illegal activity can be stopped.

His request came after an investigation into dog fighting was broadcast by the BBC's Spotlight programme last Thursday.

The programme showed how the dogs were being smuggled into Northern Ireland through this State and it pointed to the alleged involvement of Tyrone county footballer Gerard Cavlan. He has since apologised for any damage he may have caused to the good name of the GAA.

Yesterday a Government spokesman said Bertie Ahern was most anxious to co-operate with his colleagues in Northern Ireland on the matter which was of "deep concern" to him. He said the Taoiseach had told Northern Ireland First Minister Ian Paisley that he wished to take a joint approach to the matter.

Rev Paisley has called for a review of legislation in this State, saying it was clear that the Irish Republic's dog licencing laws were being exploited by people involved in this trade.

The Department of the Environment has already been investigating the issue of illegal dog fighting but the Department of Agriculture also has responsibilities in this matter.

The Taoiseach has asked these departments to report back to him as quickly as possible on all issues surrounding dog fighting. The departments are expected to present proposals to the Taoiseach within weeks.

The PSNI said it was studying the programme closely for evidence of illegal activity. The Ulster Society for the Protection of Animals has warned that dog-fighting enthusiasts in Northern Ireland may have smuggled their pit bull terriers into this State in recent days to avoid the expected police clampdown on the activity.

The Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has called for tough new laws to allow them to pursue people engaged in illegal dog fighting.

It said it was not surprised by the findings of the investigation. Jimmy Cahill, manager of the DSPCA, said the association had long known that pit bull fighting was "a thriving underground activity" in Dublin and other towns around the country.

It has called for a review of security at airports and ports to establish how fighting dogs are able to travel in and out of this State with ease.