Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 May 2026
134. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the sanctions his Department has in place for anyone who is found to be mistreating or abusing animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35776/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy 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 Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 is the main legal instrument available to my Department to enforce animal welfare standards.
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. 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 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
Any reports of welfare issues received by my Department, including breaches of the animal welfare legislation, are acted upon and investigated.
I am satisfied that these measures provide a comprehensive framework and sufficient safeguards to ensure the welfare of animals.
