Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 June 2024
327. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason his Department neither sought nor took an official or unofficial welfare interest in the lands adjacent to a company (details supplied) where horses were kept before slaughter and which have been the subject of welfare complaints by members of the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27201/24]
View answerAnimal welfare is a key priority for me as Minister and for the Government. The welfare of equines is protected by legislation and appropriate enforcement action is undertaken where breaches or shortcomings are identified.
Five complaints were received by my Department's animal welfare helpline in relation to animals at lands adjacent to the site in question between 2018 and 2023. These were one in 2018, one in 2019, two in 2021and one in 2023. In response to these reports, on each occasion a Veterinary Inspector went to the site, carried out an investigation, and engaged with the keeper of the horses to resolve the specific issues raised.
