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Equine Industry

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 January 2021

Thursday, 21 January 2021

Ceisteanna (512)

Réada Cronin

Ceist:

512. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the issuing of equine ID will be prioritised, given the critical situation regarding animal neglect, abandonment and suffering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3479/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department continues to prioritise equine traceability and equine welfare. Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/262, which came into effect on 1 January 2016, lays down the rules governing the identification of equidae. This legislation was transposed into national legislation in Ireland via the European Union (Identification of Equidae) Regulations (S.I. No 62 of 2016)(as amended). This sets down the rules regarding the identification of equines for owners/keepers of equines who are responsible for their identification.

Enforcement of equine identification legislation is primarily undertaken by authorised officers throughout my Department's Regional Office network and at slaughter plants. These officers work closely with their veterinary colleagues across the various Local Authorities and liaise with members of An Garda Síochána and Revenue Commissioners Officials, as required. Authorised officers from my Department engage in checks at sales venues including marts and fairs, as well as at horse slaughter plants and at export points including ports and airports. Similarly, potential equine welfare and abandonment issues are dealt with by authorised officers of my Department in conjunction with authorised officers from other agencies.

The Programme for Government includes a commitment to provide for additional urban horse welfare programmes. The Department continues to take a proactive approach in tackling challenges by developing facilities for urban horse populations and in educating young people among these communities in the care and welfare of horses. This work is carried out in close collaboration with Local Authorities and will be reflected in the new Animal Welfare Strategy to be launched shortly.

The Department continues to support a number of urban horse projects nationwide, bringing education on all aspects of equine welfare to people in disadvantaged areas. As an example, the DSPCA with financial assistance from the Department, continues to facilitate castration and ID clinics and education programmes in an effort to address the problem of over-breeding which can add to welfare issues.

The Control of Horses Act, 1996 is currently under review within the Department and plans for replacement legislation are well advanced. The Department will be further engaging with stakeholders on this . Under the Act, Local Authorities may take a range of actions in relation to equines including prohibiting horses in certain areas, the issuing of licences, the seizure of horses in contravention of the Act. These powers can be used in respect of straying horses which includes horses put on land without the owner’s permission, including public land. The Local Authorities may also prosecute offenders under this Act.

The Department continues to support other agencies and Local Authorities in enforcing the law.

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