Ryan O'Meara
Question:929. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the efforts being made to deal with the rising cases of animal cruelty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39940/26]
View answerTuesday, 26 May 2026
Questions (929)
Written answers
Animal 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.
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, 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. 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. To date, 226 successful prosecutions have been taken under the Act, and a number of other investigations are ongoing.
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.
In December 2025, I awarded funding of almost €6.5 million to 94 animal welfare charities nationwide, under the Animal Welfare Grants Programme. These awards support the provision of education and knowledge sharing to the public on animal welfare and responsible pet ownership, helping to raise animal welfare standards.
My Department operates a confidential animal welfare Helpline and e-mail address through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect for investigation on:
Helpline Phone No: 01 607 2379.
Email address: animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie.