The 2013 Animal Health and Welfare Act provides a modern framework for regulating and applying standards in the area of animal health and welfare for all animals.
My Department provided €5.8 million in grants in December 2022 to animal welfare organisations throughout the country that are directly involved in protecting animals. In addition to supporting their rescue activities, additional funding is provided for education initiatives undertaken by these organisation.
My Department devotes significant attention and resources to animal welfare. It operates a confidential animal welfare helpline, where reports of animal welfare breaches can be made by phone or email. Any information relating to allegations that the welfare of animals are being compromised can be provided to this helpline and reports will be followed up by my officials.