Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

This question is similar to Priority Question No. 28, as it deals with the welfare of horses and my Department's responsibility in this regard. If people have specific complaints and they think their horses or somebody else's horses have been or are being abused, they should report that to the Garda, which has an obligation to act on the complaint if there is evidence to suggest animal welfare legislation is being breached. We are trying to consolidate legislation in this area and, hopefully, everybody will see this before the end of the year to address problems in this area. We will debate this issue again when the legislation is published and processed by the House.

It is my intention to introduce comprehensive animal welfare legislation, which will address any ambiguity and lack of understanding that may exist because of the various Bills that are the responsibility of different Departments.

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