Joan Collins
Question:96. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Transport if he will introduce the horse-drawn carriages Bill in the next month (details supplied). [42063/24]
View answerThursday, 17 October 2024
Questions (96)
Written answers
Further to Dáil Question No 112 on 24th September 2024, my Department had planned to undertake stakeholder consultations in 2024 but, unfortunately, this has had to be deferred due to conflicting legislative priorities. Nevertheless, the Bill remains on my Department’s legislative programme for Autumn 2024 and work to ensure that an appropriate legal basis is in place to regulate this area is ongoing.
All issues regarding animal welfare should be brought to the attention of my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine. Under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, people in possession of a protected animal, of which horses fit this definition, must ensure the animal is kept and treated in a manner that safeguards their health and welfare. Failure to do this is considered an offence under that Act. Section 33 of the Control of Horses Act 1996 provides that AGS may compel individuals in control of horses to obtain necessary attention from a veterinarian if the horse is in pain, distress, neglect or is severely injured, diseased or in need of veterinary attention. Failure to comply is an offence. Local Authorities also have powers under the Control of Horses Act, 1996 to introduce by-laws regulating activities involving horses in their respective functional areas.
The drivers of all vehicles used on public roads, including horse-drawn carriages, are required to comply with road traffic legislation and to behave in a safe manner paying due care to other road users. The enforcement of such road traffic legislation is a matter for An Garda Síochána.