Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I would like to raise the issue of animal welfare, specifically equine welfare. The majority of Deputies would come across situations where animals, particularly horses, are found in a decrepit condition, many of them emaciated and some having to be euthanised in certain circumstances. The programme for Government calls for the continued robust enforcement of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 and a review of the sentencing regime underpinning that legislation. I very much welcome that, particularly in my own constituency where we have a considerable problem with horse and animal welfare. Unfortunately, only 48 prosecutions have taken place nationally in the past three years, seven of them in Cork. We need to continue to work on this issue and to promote enforcement of the legislation.

The programme for Government also states that we need to prioritise equine welfare based on a robust traceability system, building on existing inspectorate supports throughout the country, and ensuring a consistent approach to dealing with horse welfare issues across local authorities. I understand a new national animal welfare strategy is to be launched shortly, as per the response I received from the Minister in January. When finalising that strategy, I ask that consideration be given to requiring local authorities to employ equine officers who would have the responsibility, and the proper enforcement powers, to oversee microchipping of animals. If not, we will continue to have a system that allows for the mistreatment and abuse of animals and we will be wholly reliant on animal welfare groups and charities to take up the slack. What steps will the Minister take to ensure that appropriate enforcement is undertaken in the future? Will the Minister indicate when we will see the publication of the animal welfare strategy?

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