Equine welfare is a priority for my Department as evidenced by the substantial progress that has been made in the implementation of the Wall Report Action Plan on equine traceability and welfare. 23 of the actions have been delivered, a further 8 are on track for completion in 2026 and the remaining are well advanced.
Among the actions completed was a review of the penalty provisions in our animal welfare legislation to ensure they were sufficiently robust and persuasive. A person who commits an offence under our legislation is liable, on summary conviction, to a class A fine or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months, or to both. Where a case is brought before the circuit court and the offence is convicted on indictment, the person is liable to a fine not exceeding €250,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years, or to both. The review confirmed that Ireland's penalties are on par or more severe than other EU Member States.
In terms of the measures currently in place to prevent neglect and abandonment, the most significant is the new central equine database which launched in October last year and links horses to a premises and an accountable person for the first time. This is a turning point for equine welfare and is also assisting with enforcement.
With the improved information now available to my Department, it is carrying out random and risk based inspections of equine premises and facilities, taking account of the guidelines set out by the Farmed Animal Welfare Advisory Committee.
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 received by my Department 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.
