Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 October 2025
627. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of prosecutions taken under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 since its implementation; the details of which organisation brought each prosecution; and for a breakdown of the sentences imposed. [56675/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department takes the matter of animal welfare most seriously and is committed to the enforcement of the Animal Health and Welfare Act, 2013. Prosecutions under the Act are pursued following investigations by authorised officers who investigate matters relating to animal cruelty and neglect. Offences under the Act may be prosecuted in the District Court by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, local authorities and members of An Garda Síochána. Matters tried on indictment are the remit of the Director of Public Prosecutions in the normal manner.
Since the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 came into operation in March 2014, over 200 cases have been successfully prosecuted by my Department and the National Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (formerly ISPCA and DSPCA). Forty-nine cases resulted in a prison sentence of these 32 were suspended.
My Department does not hold records on prosecutions taken by An Garda Síochána and local authorities.
I am committed to the policy that animal welfare standards are vigorously applied in a fair and even-handed manner. All reports of alleged animal neglect or cruelty are investigated and appropriate action is taken. If members of the public are aware of any cases of suspected abuse or neglect, they can contact my Department's animal welfare helpline on:
Helpline Phone No: 01 607 2379
Email address - animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie.
