To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, in relation to hunting dogs, what action his Department is taking to ensure that animal welfare standards are upheld.

My Department is aware of your plan to bring forward a Private Member’s Bill to prohibit the hunting of wild mammals with dogs. Hunting dogs themselves are, however, non-farmed animals. Therefore, while those responsible for hunting dogs must take into account my Department’s Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs, responsibility for enforcing any animal welfare obligations in respect of them is a matter for local councils.