Government policy is clear and consistent - animal cruelty is totally unacceptable. My Department operates a confidential animal welfare helpline through which members of the public can report incidents of suspected animal cruelty or neglect. The specific incident was reported to the Department via this helpline and is currently under investigation by Department officials and it is being treated with the utmost seriousness.
As this is primarily a Control of Horses issue on public lands, the Department is working with Tipperary County Council and other stakeholders, to safeguard the longer term animal welfare issues at this location, using a collaborative approach.
In recognition of the important role played by the many organisations safeguarding animals throughout the country, in December 2021 I announced record funding of over €3.7 million for 98 eligible animal welfare organisations. Of this, I was pleased to award funding of €26,250 to the organisation mentioned. This exchequer funding helps support the organisation in its animal welfare work.