Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 November 2013
16. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to provide an outlet for horses surplus to the horse industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48139/13]
View answerHorses can be slaughtered for human consumption subject to a number of conditions, including that they have been registered within six months of birth or by 31st December of the year of birth whichever is the later, have not have been treated with any prohibited veterinary medicines and are accompanied to the slaughterhouse by the horse passport. This latter requirement is an essential part of the food-chain information under EU food law and is designed to protect human health.
With regard to surplus horses, the position is that it is the responsibility of horse owners to ensure the welfare of horses in their ownership and/or their care and to dispose of them appropriately. In this context, horse owners are reminded of the advice of the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Council that, where an owner can no longer adequately provide for their horse or where the horse can no longer fulfil the purpose for which is was bred, he or she should be proactive in seeking to dispose of the animal, including consideration of the option of humane disposal.
My Department provides significant funding to Local Authorities under the Control of Horses Act, 1996, to enable these bodies implement their powers relating to the control and welfare of stray or abandoned horses. While efforts are made to rehome horses to responsible new owners, the reality is that this is not possible in all cases. Local authorities are humanely disposing of a considerable number of horses seized under the Control of Horses Act on an on-going basis where there is no possibility of re-homing or returning these horses to their owners.
The need for additional welfare measures in the horse sector is being kept under review by my Department. The very good weather during the Summer and well into the Autumn has created a very favourable fodder situation, with the result that there is no evidence of a significant problem in relation to the welfare of horses. In addition, the continuing work being undertaken by local authorities in conjunction with the Department via the Control of Horses Act 1996 has reduced the number of abandoned horses throughout the country, particularly in urban areas.
My Department will continue to deal with any animal welfare issues relating to horses through its existing mechanisms and has indicated that it is in position to provide emergency funding to assist horse owners who cannot afford to pay for their humane disposal. Farmers who are facing a critical horse welfare issue over coming months can contact the Department helpline for assistance.
