Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
957. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied with the current enforcement of legislation to protect animals through arrests and animal seizures; if he has considered establishing a specific unit within his Department to combat animal cruelty; if he has considered establishing a specific unit within An Garda Síochána to combat animal cruelty. [12865/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra982. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures currently in place to ensure equine welfare; if horses can be rehomed if seized by State agents; and the process by which horses are licenced under current legislation. [12861/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra983. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied with current animal welfare legislation; if he has considered establishing a specific unit within his Department to combat animal abuse cruelty; and if he has considered reform of legislation relating to the protection of horses. [12862/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra984. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his position on the regulation of urban horses; and if he has concerns over the abuse of horses in urban areas. [12863/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 957, 982, 983 and 984 together.
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 the matter of animal welfare most seriously. I am committed to the policy that animal welfare standards are vigorously applied in a fair and even-handed manner.
The welfare of equines is protected by legislation and there is a commitment in the Programme for Government to prioritise equine welfare and to build on existing inspectorate supports across the country, ensuring a consistent approach to dealing with horse welfare.
My Department is responsible for all policy and legislation in relation to the Control of Horses Act 1996. However, operation 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, the seizure of horses in contravention of the Act and rehoming of horses.
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 Control of Horses Act 1996, is currently under review within my Department and plans for replacement legislation are advancing.
The Programme for Government also commits 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 area of animal health and welfare, the legislative environment more generally, and having regard to the practical lessons learned from operating the Act.
I recently commenced the process of developing Ireland’s second Animal Welfare strategy, which will run for the period 2026-2030. My Department is finalising the process of analysing all submissions received in the public consultation that ran from November 2025 to January 2026, to help inform the new strategy.
In December 2025, I announced funding of almost €6.5 million to 94 animal welfare charities throughout the country, under the Animal Welfare Grants programme. Of that figure, just over €4 million was awarded to charities involved in the care and welfare of horses.
My Department continues to support urban horse projects nationwide, working with local authorities, charities and community stakeholders. These projects have proven very successful and are aimed specifically at equine welfare and marginalised communities. The projects can foster community leadership and education in responsible horse ownership for young people.
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. 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 and I have no plans to set up any other authority.
