Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 April 2023
318. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he believes his Department's inspections of greyhound owners are overzealous (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18663/23]
View answerThe Programme for Government places a positive emphasis on animal welfare and specifically commits to the continued robust enforcement of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. In line with the Programme for Government, I am committed to the continued application of the Animal Health and Welfare Act, which provides a modern framework for regulating and applying standards in the area of animal health and welfare.
Neglect of or causing unnecessary suffering to animals is not acceptable in our society. I am committed to the policy that animal welfare standards are vigorously applied in a fair and even-handed manner. My Department continues to enforce the law in this important area as does An Garda Síochána, the Customs service, and, through their inspectors who are authorised officers under the Act, the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Rásaíocht Con Eireann. My Department works closely with these bodies and I would like to take this opportunity to recognise and praise their work to protect animal welfare.
My Department operates a confidential animal welfare helpline through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect for investigation. Where reports of animal welfare violations, including those relating to greyhounds, are made to my officials, inspections and investigations are carried out as appropriate.
The dedicated e-mail address and Helpline in place for reporting suspected cases of animal welfare are:
Helpline Phone No: 01 607 2379.
Email address: animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie.
