Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 May 2026
108. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the interagency arrangements in place between his Department, An Garda Síochána and local authorities to respond to serious animal welfare complaints; his views on whether current levels of enforcement are sufficient to tackle the problem of animal cruelty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34336/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAnimal 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 this matter most seriously.
I am committed to the policy that animal welfare standards are vigorously applied in a fair and even-handed manner and remain committed 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.
All reports of alleged animal cruelty or neglect received by my Department are investigated. My Department and authorised officers appointed under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, including An Garda Síochána, Customs agents, local authorities, and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA), undertake appropriate enforcement action, where breaches or shortcomings are identified.
My Department keeps the Act under review in light of key developments in the areas of animal welfare, the law and having regard to the practical lessons learnt from operating the Act.
Since the introduction of the Act, approximately 1,000 staff within my Department have been designated as authorised officers, under the Act. A large number of these authorised officers are based in my Department’s network of Regional Veterinary Offices throughout the country, providing nationwide coverage. Their responsibilities include carrying out welfare inspections in every county and providing advice and support to the keepers of animals, however primary responsibility for protecting the welfare of animals rests with the owner or keeper.
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 is responsible for all policy and legislation in relation to the Control of Horses Act 1996, however operation and enforcement 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 and the seizure of horses in contravention of the Act. 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 Act is currently under review within my Department.
My Department operates a confidential animal welfare helpline through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect for investigation. All reports received generate case reports which are referred for investigation by authorised officers and appropriate action is taken, which could include, up to, prosecution. 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.
