Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 576: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the results of the assessments carried out on the problem of abandoned horses; the action he will take to assist the voluntary services cope with the increase in abandoned horses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3727/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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It is clear from meetings held recently between officials of my Department and representatives of Animal Welfare Organisations, the Horse Industry and Local Authority Veterinary Inspectors that there is an increase in the number of reported horse welfare problems nationally including an increasing risk of abandonment of horses. My Department's legislative responsibility extends to farmed animals only and Veterinary Inspectors have assessed the situation and are satisfied that there is no widespread equine welfare issue on farms.

Local Authorities have extensive powers under the Control of Horses Act 1996. My Department provides annual funding in the region of €2m to assist them in their work in implementing the Act.

Through the auspices of the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Council and particularly its Early Warning Intervention System, Department officials are working in close cooperation with the ISPCA to address and intervene in potential welfare situations before they become critical. Mindful of the valuable work being done by the welfare organisations and as a contribution towards the cost of their activities in the forthcoming year, I recently provided funding of €1.185 million to assist them in their work in 2010. I also urged those welfare organisations that have the capacity to deal with larger animals to consider placing greater resources in promoting horse welfare.