Animal Welfare

Tuesday, 9 July 2024

Questions (582)

Paul Murphy

Question:

582. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 370 of 28 May 2024, if his Department inspected a facility (details supplied) as a result of the recent information regarding the poor conditions in which dogs are being held there; his views on whether this situation is compatible with a group working as authorised officers on his Department's behalf; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29574/24]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

As part of the requirements of the Animal Welfare Grants programme, Department veterinary staff inspect all applicants on at least one occasion during the year. Any facility that does not meet expected standards will not be funded.

The facility mentioned was inspected on two occasions by Department inspectors in recent times. Any non-conformance issues identified at inspections are followed up by officials from my Department to check that they are closed out. Similarly, any reports of welfare issues received by my Department, including alleged breaches of the animal welfare legislation, are acted upon and investigated.