Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 December 2020
867. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which animal welfare in the equine sector continues to be supervised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42076/20]
View answerMy Department dedicates a substantial level of resources and funding to animal welfare and I am fully committed to delivering on the Programme for Government undertaking to prioritise equine welfare. In December 2019, my Department delivered the largest ever allocation of funding of €2.906m to 106 animal welfare organisations, many of which undertake work with equines.
In the area of horse racing, the IHRB has authorised Officers under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 who monitor the welfare of this sector.
My Department also continues to support a number of urban horse projects nationwide, bringing education on all aspects of equine welfare to disadvantaged areas, and I intend to deliver additional supports in urban areas. As an example, in the context of breeding, the DSPCA with financial assistance from my Department, facilitates castration clinics and education programmes in an effort to address the problem of over-breeding which can add to welfare issues.
Under the Control of Horses Act 1996, local authorities may take a range of actions in relation to equines including prohibiting horses in certain areas, the issuing of licences, and authorised officers may seize horses in contravention of the Act. These powers can be used in respect of stray horses, including horses put on land without the owner’s permission, including public land. The local authorities may also prosecute offenders.
The Deputy may 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.
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
