Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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Question 336: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will address the problem of abandoned and starving horses including a group of 20 to 40 horses which have allegedly been abandoned on open ground between Dunsink, Dublin 11 and the M50; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47731/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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My Department's statutory responsibility extends to the welfare and protection of farmed animals only i.e. animals normally bred or kept for the production of food or for use in or for the purpose of farming. Responsibility for horses found straying or abandoned on waste lands/public roads etc rests with Local Authorities under the Control of Horses Act 1996, which contains provisions on the seizure and detention of stray horses, the confiscation of horses which stray repeatedly and the disposal of seized horses.

Officials of my Department have been in touch with Fingal County Council regarding the issues raised by the Deputy and the Council are aware of and are dealing with the matter in consultation with the local community and the DSPCA.