Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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143. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the course of action that will be undertaken to deal with those responsible for the burning to death of a horse in Tallaght last week as highlighted by the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. [52216/13]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I understand that this matter has investigated by An Gardai Siochana and they have confirmed that the horse was dead before its carcase was burned.

Nevertheless, this incident is unfortunately an example of the ongoing issues we are faced with in animal welfare, particularly in the case of horses, and highlights the need for intervention before animal welfare is threatened. Last week, my Department, in conjunction with the local authorities and the Gardai seized 82 horses in the Cork city area. Unfortunately, a small number of horses had to be euthanized on welfare grounds. However, approximately thirty six of those seized are being re-homed with the assistance of welfare groups and a further thirty seven are being moved to supervised, registered equine premises and received passports and micro-chips in accordance with regulations.

I have asked my Department to continue to work with local authorities and Gardai in other areas if similar cases occur and intervention is required. I urge the public to continue to avail of the Animal Welfare Helpline in operation by my Department, to report instances where animal welfare may be compromised on 1850 211 990.