Barry Ward
Question:460. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding work ongoing to improve animal welfare in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29445/26]
View answerThursday, 23 April 2026
Questions (460)
Written answers
My Department has lead policy responsibility within government for animal welfare, which is protected by legislation. I am committed to ensuring that animal welfare standards are vigorously applied in a fair and even-handed manner. All reports of alleged animal neglect or cruelty received by my Department are investigated and appropriate action is taken.
My Department and authorised officers appointed under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, including An Garda Síochána, Customs agents, local authorities and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA), undertake appropriate enforcement action, where breaches or shortcomings are identified.
Since the introduction of the Act, approximately 1,000 staff within my Department have been designated as authorised officers, under the Act. A large number of these authorised officers are based in my Department’s network of Regional Veterinary Offices throughout the country, providing nationwide coverage. Their responsibilities include carrying out welfare inspections in every county and providing advice and support to the keepers of animals, however primary responsibility for protecting the welfare of animals rests with the owner or keeper.
I support sustainable initiatives in line with the Programme for Government and our current Animal Welfare Strategy, including nationwide urban horse projects. Working with local authorities, charities and community stakeholders, these projects have proven very successful, aimed at equine welfare and marginalised communities, fostering community leadership and education in responsible horse ownership for young people.
My Department has spent over €2.1 million from 2015 to date, on urban horse projects, with €170,000 allocated for 2026. There are currently seven live projects and I would welcome new submissions from local authorities to develop urban horse projects in their respective areas.
In December 2025, I awarded funding of almost €6.5 million to 94 animal welfare charities nationwide, under the Animal Welfare Grants Programme.
In 2025, a process was initiated to develop a new animal welfare strategy, which will act as a framework for engagement and collaboration to direct future activities with the aim of benefiting both animals and Irish society. Development of the strategy is now well underway following broad stakeholder engagement including a non-statutory public consultation that ran to January 2nd. In excess of 1,750 individual submissions were received as part of that process.
Also in 2025, my Department published Professor Patrick Wall’s report on equine traceability and welfare and prepared an action plan to implement its recommendations, which is progressing.
My Department operates a confidential animal welfare helpline, where the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect for investigation, the contact details are:
Helpline Phone No: 01 6072379.
Email address: animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie