Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department is keeping the horse welfare situation under review and, in particular, the need for additional welfare measures. There is no evidence of a significant problem in relation to the welfare of horses due to the very good weather during the Summer and well into the Autumn, which has created a very favourable fodder situation. In addition, the continuing work being undertaken by local authorities in conjunction with the Department via the Control of Horses Act 1996 has reduced the numbers of abandoned horses throughout the country particularly in urban areas.

My Department also continues to stress that it is the responsibility of horse owners to ensure the welfare of horses in their ownership, to breed selectively with stallions of higher merit and to dispose of surplus horses as necessary. In this context, horse owners are reminded of the advice of the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Council that, where an owner can no longer adequately provide for their horse or where the horse can no longer fulfil the purpose for which it was bred, he or she should be proactive in seeking to dispose of the animal, including consideration of the option of humane disposal. The Department is, of course, continuing to deal with any animal welfare issues relating to horses through its existing mechanisms and has indicated that it is in position to provide emergency funding to assist horse owners who cannot afford to pay for their humane disposal. Farmers who are facing a critical horse welfare issue over coming months can contact the Department helpline for assistance.