Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

My Department's responsibility, which is set down in legislation, extends to the welfare and protection of farm animals only, that is animals normally bred or kept for the production of food or for use in another farming practice. The relevant legislation in this area is the Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes Act 1984 and the European Communities (Welfare of Farmed Animals) Regulations 2010, SI 311 of 2010. Animals "used in competitions/shows, cultural or sporting events or activities while so being used" are outside the scope of SI 311 of 2010.

My Department must act at all times in accordance with legislation. The principal statutes governing cruelty to all animals, including horses, in this country are the Protection of Animals Acts 1911 and 1965. Responsibility for pursuing cases under this legislation rests with An Garda Síochána, which may on receipt of a complaint investigate and bring a prosecution against any person alleged to have committed an offence under these Acts.

The Government is mindful of the importance to safeguard animals and their welfare. In this regard the programme for Government 2011 includes a commitment to amend and strengthen animal welfare legislation and a draft animal health and welfare Bill is in the course of preparation. The Bill will consolidate and update existing legislation in the area of animal health and welfare and include non-farmed animals.

The Deputy may be aware that I recently announced funding of €10,000 to the Irish Equine Centre for a demographic study to determine the extent of the unwanted horse population in Ireland. The study, being undertaken by the Irish Equine Centre at the request of the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association will examine a number of factors including capacity of equine sanctuaries operated by welfare groups, the number of interventions by local authorities and usage of equine abattoirs.

Thisstudy is timely in that there has been media coverage at home and overseas recently, much of it unsubstantiated, regarding the fate of unwanted horses and this is unhelpful to the image of Ireland as a country that cares for its horse population. The research undertaken will provide guidance for any further policy initiatives and-or legislative measures that may be needed to further advance horse welfare. In addition, my Department provides some €2 million per annum to local authorities in supporting their role in the implementation of the Control of Horses Act.

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