Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 December 2020
842. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to deal with the scourge of animal cruelty, particularly in relation to horses, which is prevalent in many urban areas across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41838/20]
View answerI would like to assure the Deputy that animal welfare is high on the agenda of my Department and considerable resources and funding are provided to address the issue. The Programme for Government also contains an undertaking to provide additional urban horse welfare programmes to which I am fully committed.
My policy and the policy of the Government is clear and consistent in the message that incidents of animal cruelty are totally unacceptable. Since the enactment of the Animal Health and Welfare Act, over 100 cases have been prosecuted with a further number before the Courts. In addition, a number of files are currently with the Chief State Solicitor with a view to instituting proceedings.
In December 2019, my Department provided record funding of €2,906,000 to 106 animal welfare organisations throughout the country, many of which undertake work with equines. Earlier this year, a further round of funding was advertised and 105 applications were received and processed. I expect to make an announcement on funding shortly.
Regarding the urban horse issue, my Department continues to take a proactive approach in collaboration with local authorities, tackling challenges by developing facilities for urban and traveller horse populations and in educating young people in the care and welfare of horses.
You will be aware that my Department operates a confidential animal welfare helpline through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect for investigation. If the Deputy wishes to pass on details of any case of alleged neglect or cruelty that he is aware of, they will be fully investigated and appropriate actions, up to and including prosecution, may be taken.
The dedicated e-mail address and Helpline in place for reporting suspected cases of animal welfare are:
Helpline Phone No: Call Save - 0761 064408, phone - 01 607 2379.
Email address - animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie.
