Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 February 2014
524. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of reports of mistreatment of horses of which his Department has been made aware in each of the past three years to date; the extent to which breaches in animal welfare were identified; the action taken or proposed to address such issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6859/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the course of my first year as Minister, I asked my Department to set up a dedicated animal welfare helpline. This helpline has been in operation since early 2012 and the following calls have been received in relation to horses:
|
Year |
Calls |
Referred to Department Veterinary Inspectors for investigation* |
|
2012 |
51 |
41 |
|
2013 |
68 |
61 |
|
2014 (to Feb 7th) |
31 |
31 |
*Some calls were in relation to general horse issues and did not require veterinary investigation.
A number of calls are also received directly by District Veterinary Offices (DVOs). These are assessed at local level by a Department Veterinary Inspector and followed up as appropriate. Data on the number of calls received at DVO level is not held centrally. Actions taken in response to reports of mistreatment included the issuance of welfare notices, confiscation of horses and a number of prosecutions. This data is currently being collated, together with details of prosecutions, and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
The majority of these horses are removed under the Control of Horses Act by the relevant Local Authority. Unfortunately many of the animals in question are unidentified, making prosecution very difficult. The on-going work being undertaken by local authorities in conjunction with the Department via the Control of Horses Act, 1996 has reduced the numbers of abandoned horses throughout the country particularly in urban areas. Local authorities are humanely disposing of a considerable number of horses seized under the Control of Horses Act on an on-going basis where there is no possibility of re-homing or returning these horses to their owners.
As well as setting up the helpline, I have introduced a number of important legislative measures aimed at improving horse welfare. In May 2012 I introduced Regulations that make the registration of premises where horses are held obligatory. I also published a new updated Statutory Instrument on equine identification in March 2013. My Department has also established an equine central data base.
Furthermore, potentially cruel activities involving animals will be specifically prohibited under the new Animal Health and Welfare Act and involvement in such activities will be an offence. The Act will also require persons possessing animals to safeguard their welfare and provide them with adequate food, water and shelter. The Act also contains provisions for powers of intervention where an animal is deemed to be at risk of being welfare compromised and the level of penalties to be imposed has been increased.
