I propose to take Questions Nos. 908 and 909 together.
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 legal framework within which issues relating to animal neglect or cruelty are addressed, is the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. This is a modern Act and replaced a number of enactments dating back over a century. The Act is the main legal instrument available to my Department to enforce animal welfare standards.
Where breaches or shortcomings are identified, appropriate enforcement action is undertaken by my Department and authorised officers under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, including An Garda Síochána, Customs agents, authorised officers appointed by local authorities and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA). Any reports of welfare issues received by my Department, including breaches of the animal welfare legislation, are acted upon and investigated.
The Act provides for a range of penalties that may be imposed. On summary conviction, an offender may be fined up to €5,000 (a Class A fine) and/or be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of up to 6 months. On conviction on indictment, a fine of up to €250,000 and or a term of 5 years imprisonment may be imposed. To date, 226 successful prosecutions have been taken under the Act, and a number of other investigations are ongoing.
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.
Since the introduction of the Act, approximately 1,000 staff within my Department have been designated as authorised officers. A large number of these authorised officers are based in my Department’s network of Regional Veterinary Offices throughout the country, providing nationwide coverage. In addition, authorised officers have also been appointed in the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Rásaíocht Con Éireann and the Irish Horse Racing Board.
We must also remember that primary responsibility for protecting the welfare of animals rests with the owner or keeper. I am satisfied that these resources are sufficient nationwide coverage.
Authorised officers carry out inspections and investigations, and work towards ensuring the welfare of animals and compliance with legislation, with interventions ranging from advice to warnings, and to legal compliance notices. When necessary, legal sanctions are imposed, and prosecutions are taken when other efforts to ensure compliance have failed or there is blatant disregard for an animal’s welfare.
Members of An Garda Síochána and the Customs Service are directly authorised under the Act. Local authorities are also empowered to appoint authorised officers under the Act. Any queries regarding the number of authorised officers by these bodies should be referred to the relevant organisation directly.
A feature of the enforcement of the Act is my Department can work alongside An Garda Síochána and the Local Authority on certain enforcement matters, resulting in a very effective and efficient use of resources.
My Department operates a confidential animal welfare helpline through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect for investigation.
The dedicated e-mail 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.
