Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 7 September 2026
2684. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the engagement he has had with animal welfare organisations in relation to the operation of circuses that include animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60017/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra2686. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the mechanisms in place to ensure animal welfare standards are adhered to by the owners and operators of circuses that include animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60006/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra2688. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the number of animal welfare inspections that were carried out on the owners and operators of circuses that include animals in each of the years 2022 to 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60008/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra2690. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the punishments in place for the owners and operators of circuses in the event that it is found that they were in breach of animal welfare laws; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60011/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 2684, 2686, 2688 and 2690 together.
Animal welfare is a key priority for me as Minister and for the Government. My Department strongly condemns the mistreatment of any animal and takes the matter of animal welfare most seriously. Neglect of or causing unnecessary suffering to animals is not acceptable in our society.
S.I. 482 of 2017 Circuses (Prohibition on Use of Wild Animals) Regulations 2017 bans the use of wild animals in circuses in Ireland.
In addition the welfare of all animals is protected by the Animal Health and Welfare Act, 2013. The Act provides a modern framework for regulating and applying standards in the area of animal health and welfare. The Act contains rules relating to the welfare of all animals. However, it must be emphasised that primary responsibility for the health and welfare of animals lies with the owner or keeper.
My Department is committed to robust enforcement of the act. In this regard, 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 up to and including prosecution, where breaches or shortcomings are identified.
My Department has not had any recent engagement with animal welfare organisations with regard to circuses. There are currently no routine inspections of circus animals carried out by my Department. However, if there are any welfare concerns the Deputy is aware of I would like to remind him that 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 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
All reports of alleged animal neglect or cruelty are investigated and appropriate action is taken.
