Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the work of the other animal rescue and animal welfare groups who are picking up the pieces in this regard. I find it difficult to understand that, if gardaí are involved, incidents are not recorded on PULSE.

Abuse of animals is, sadly, a reality in Ireland. Whether we are talking about hares, greyhounds, horses, badgers, foxes or puppy farms, that is the reality. I am continually told that we have the legislation - the Animal Welfare Acts and the Control of Horses Act - as if they were covering and sorting everything. Those Acts are only as good as the extent of the implementation and enforcement.

We know it is not happening for whatever reason. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Creed, in a previous reply stated that it is the responsibility of individuals to ensure the welfare of their animals, including horses. That is quite right, but I am asking about circumstances where owners do not take responsibility. There was a protest outside Leinster House. All of the horse welfare groups came together. We have seen cases of starving animals, cases of animals whose illnesses are left unattended, and cases in which large numbers of animals have been kept in confined spaces. It is the animal welfare groups that are picking up the pieces. Surely the Garda could be more proactive in checking on microchipping and registering.

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