Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 July 2017
554. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the costs incurred by his Department over the past four years relating to the seizure of animals, specifically horses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32235/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Control of Horses Act 1996 designates powers to local authorities enabling them to control stray and abandoned horses in this country. Under the Act the Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine may offer financial assistance towards the expenses incurred by the Local Authorities in operation of the Act. My Department has contributed funding of €4.2 million to local authorities in respect of control of horses activities for the period 2014-2017 (to date). This funding represents a very substantial support from the Exchequer to Local Authorities. For their part Local Authorities should ensure they are achieving best value possible through the public procurement process.
In addition to the work of Local Authorities, my Department officials have removed a number of abandoned, welfare compromised and/or unidentified horses throughout the country in the period 2014 to 2017 at a cost of €303,000. The removal of abandoned straying horses has undoubtedly staved off a number of potentially serious horse welfare situations.
A further initiative introduced by my Department to reduce the numbers of straying horses, is the provision of funding in respect of Urban Horse Projects. The funding is provided to local authorities to support urban/traveller horse projects in their respective areas. A number of projects are currently being developed in conjunction with local authorities and animal welfare bodies. These projects provide many benefits to communities including reductions in the amount of stray animals. The educational aspect of the project also enables greater compliance with animal welfare regulations.
My Department continues to stress that it is the responsibility of individuals to ensure the welfare of horses in their ownership and/or their care and to dispose of them appropriately. Over the years the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Council, which comprises representative of various stakeholders in the animal welfare area, has been instrumental in promoting horse welfare in a practical manner.
