Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 October 2021
69. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he has taken to improve the welfare of animals over the past year; the plans he has to build on these improvements over the coming year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51438/21]
View answerReflecting Programme for Government commitments, I have prioritised animal welfare and ambitious measures are underway.
I announced record funding of €3.2M to animal welfare organisations for 2021 and am fully committed to the Programme for Government undertaking to double the funding available in alignment with priorities.
In February, I launched Ireland’s first Animal Welfare Strategy 2021-2025 and I established a dedicated Animal Welfare Division within my Department to drive its delivery.
Acknowledging inter-dependencies between human, animal and environmental health (One Health, One Welfare) the strategy takes an evidence-led approach to policy making, targets, monitoring and evaluation. An action plan with measurable indicators is under development and a High-Level Monitoring Group will meet in 2022.
The draft Prohibition on Fur Farming 2021 legislation scheme was approved by Government and debate followed by enactment is anticipated before the end of 2021.
In the context of reviewing the Control of Horses Act, a national equine census is planned for November. With other government departments and local authorities, my Department funds urban horse projects providing welfare education in disadvantaged areas. My officials are working to scale up this work.
UCD School of Veterinary Medicine appointed a chair of Animal Welfare & Veterinary Ethics with my Department’s support, and I have asked Teagasc to mainstream animal welfare across their education and research activities.
I re-launched the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Council, while a new Advisory Council on Companion Animal Welfare will convene soon and will consider issues including exotic animals.
Work is underway to reduce the prevalence of tail docking in pigs and to support development of high welfare pig/poultry production systems.
A system to improve greyhound traceability is being developed.
My officials continue to monitor and prioritise high welfare standards for all live exports.
The Department is actively contributing to the current review of European animal welfare legislation, and Ireland continues to promote high standards of animal welfare internationally through the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).
