Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 May 2026
129. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of animal welfare prosecutions taken by his Department in the past four years; the nature of each prosecution per category including fines and imprisonment and so on; whether he is satisfied that penalties under current legislation provide a sufficient deterrent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34335/26]
View answerAnimal welfare is a key priority for me as Minister and for the Government. My Department has lead policy responsibility within government for animal welfare and takes this matter most seriously. I am committed to the policy that animal welfare standards are vigorously applied in a fair and even-handed manner and remain committed to the continued robust enforcement of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, which provides a modern framework for regulating and applying standards in the area of animal health and welfare. My Department keeps the Act under review in light of key developments in the areas of animal welfare, the law and having regard to the practical lessons learnt from operating the Act.
All reports of alleged animal cruelty or neglect received by my Department are investigated. My Department and authorised officers appointed under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, 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.
A feature of the enforcement of the Act is my Department can work alongside An Garda Síochána and the Local Authority on certain enforcement matters, resulting in a very effective and efficient use of resources.
My Department does not have any statistical information in relation to prosecutions taken by An Garda Síochána and/or the local authorities.
My Department is responsible for all policy and legislation in relation to the Control of Horses Act 1996, however operation and enforcement of the Act comes under the remit of local authorities.
Under the Control of Horses Act 1996, local authorities may take a range of actions in relation to equines including prohibiting horses in certain areas, the issuing of licences and 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. Local authorities may also prosecute offenders. The Act is currently under review within my Department.
My Department also operates a confidential animal welfare helpline through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect for investigation. All reports received generate case reports which are referred for investigation by authorised officers and appropriate action is taken, which could include, up to, prosecution. The dedicated email address and helpline in place for reporting suspected cases of animal welfare are:
Helpline Phone No: 01 607 2379.
Email address - animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie
I am satisfied that these measures provide a comprehensive framework and sufficient safeguards to ensure the welfare of animals.
The information requested by the Deputy, in relation to prosecutions, is available below.
2025 – 25 Cases
|
Offence Type |
Penalties Imposed |
|
Section 11 |
Ban |
|
Section 12 |
Cost |
|
Section 13 |
Fine |
|
Section 14 |
Suspended Sentence |
|
Section 19 |
Prison Sentence |
|
Section 24 |
|
|
Section 36 |
|
|
Section 42 |
|
|
Section 46 |
|
|
Section 49 |
|
2024 – 40 Cases
|
Offence Type |
Penalties Imposed |
|
Section 11 |
Ban |
|
Section 12 |
Cost |
|
Section 13 |
Fine |
|
Section 16 |
Suspended Sentence |
|
Section 19 |
Prison Sentence |
|
Section 24 |
|
|
Section 36 |
|
|
Section 42 |
|
|
Section 46 |
|
2023 – 29 Cases
|
Offence Type |
Penalties Imposed |
|
Section 11 |
Ban |
|
Section 12 |
Cost |
|
Section 13 |
Fine |
|
Section 16 |
Suspended Sentence |
|
Section 36 |
Prison Sentence |
|
Section 42 |
|
|
Section 46 |
|
|
Section 52 |
|
2022 – 22 Cases
|
Offence Type |
Penalties Imposed |
|
Section 11 |
Ban |
|
Section 12 |
Cost |
|
Section 13 |
Fine |
|
Section 16 |
Suspended Sentence |
|
Section 36 |
|
