Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
811. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there plans to increase horse seizure operations under the Control of Horses Act 1996; and the number of prosecutions have resulted from these activities. [14003/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra812. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures that are in place to ensure seized horses are protected and re-homed. [14004/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 811 and 812 together.
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 under the Act. Information relating to prosecution numbers, referred to in the question, are recorded by the relevant local authority and not available through my Department.
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.
