Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
852. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the measures currently in place between An Garda Síochána, local authorities and animal welfare agencies to address illegal sulky racing on public places and roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35142/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSulky racing and related issues are primarily animal welfare-related. Legislation concerning animal welfare and its implementation fall within the remit of my cabinet colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Mr. Martin Heydon TD.
Responsibility for drafting new or amending existing road traffic legislation for horse drawn vehicles rests with the Department of Transport and my colleague there, the Minister for Transport, Darrah O’Brien TD.
With regard to any criminality related to sulky racing, including road traffic and safety violations, the Garda Commissioner is responsible by law for the direction and control of An Garda Síochána, including all operational policing matters. In this regard, all road users are subject to road traffic legislation and I would encourage anyone who has knowledge of a criminal act, or believes that a criminal act may have occurred, to contact their local Garda station to report this by dialling 999 or 112.
An Garda Síochána work with local authorities and animal welfare organisations to address concerns and enforce relevant legislation. They handle reports of animal neglect and cruelty, and also deal with stray horses and related public safety issues.
For your information, members of An Garda Síochána have multiple powers in relation to animal welfare concerns. The below Acts and local bye laws enable Gardaí to search with or without a warrant, to seize animals and arrest individuals in contravention of the Acts:
• Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013
• Control of Horses Act 1996
• Control of Dogs Act 1986
An Garda Síochána has Animal Health & Welfare Liaison Inspectors nominated in each Garda Division. They liaise with the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA), and veterinary surgeons employed by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine to assist members of An Garda Síochána in their duties.
If seizing an animal, the Local Authority can provide Gardaí with contacts for horse pounds and dog wardens. Local animal charities also assist Gardaí when requested.
