Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
818. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether consideration has been given to introducing enhanced data reporting requirements or statutory obligations to ensure consistent national recording and publication of animal cruelty enforcement data; and if so, the status of such considerations. [29831/26]
View answerThe main legislation covering animal welfare is the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, which is under the remit of the Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine. Section 37 of that Act provides for the appointment of authorised officers who enforce the provisions of the Act including, but not limited to, members of An Garda Síochána.
Animal Health & Welfare Liaison Inspectors are nominated in every Garda Division and have contact details of veterinary surgeons employed by the Department of Agriculture who may be called upon to assist members of An Garda Síochána in their duties under this Act.
Members of An Garda Síochána have multiple powers in relation to animal welfare concerns, the below Acts and local bye laws enable Gardaí to search with/without warrant, to seize animals and arrest individuals in contravention of the Acts:
• Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013
• Control of Horses Act 1996
• Control of Dogs Act 1986
If seizing an animal, the Local Authority can provide members with contacts for horse pounds and dog wardens. Local animal charities also assist Gardaí when requested.
The statutory obligations referred to by the Deputy are not part of my Department's current legislative programme.
The Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency, is responsible for the compilation and publication of all crime statistics.
The CSO produces these statistics using data recorded on An Garda Síochána’s PULSE system and makes regular releases in relation to various crime statistics. The most recent statistics were released on 26 March 2026, providing stats for Recorded Crime for Quarter 4 2025.
