Animal Welfare

Thursday, 25 April 2024

Questions (264)

Réada Cronin

Question:

264. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the State will instigate/increase funding for animal refuges and rescues that are facing spiralling admissions due to a serious increase in the surrender of pets because of the housing crisis and emigration, the abandonment of companion animals due to the cost of living, the extreme and ongoing neglect of horses and the huge costs to those same refuges in facilities, vet services, pet food and hay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18613/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Animal welfare is a key priority for me as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and for the Government. It must be emphasised that primary responsibility for the health and welfare of any kept animals lies with the owner/keeper of these animals and the vast majority of people do so. Neglect of or causing unnecessary suffering to animals is not acceptable in our society.

I provide considerable funding to support animal welfare charity organisations in their direct provision of animal welfare supports where necessary. In December 2023, I announced the record allocation of €6 million in funding to 101 animal welfare charities throughout the country. This marked the largest award of grant funding to animal welfare bodies ever made by my Department under the Animal Welfare Grant Programme. This programme is open to all animal welfare organisations engaged in the care and welfare of animals which are registered with the Charities Regulator and have been in existence for more than two years. The 2024 grants programme will open for applications shortly, with awards made later in the year.