Written answers

Thursday, 6 February 2014

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Horse Slaughtering Data

Photo of Brendan SmithBrendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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173. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals he has to assist farmers who wish to dispose of horses in view of the poor market returns for such animals at present; if he proposes to introduce a scheme for the depopulation of horses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6120/14]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department has put procedures in place to facilitate the humane disposal of unwanted and at-risk horses on farm by way of licensed knackeries and has also indicated that it is in a 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 the coming months can contact the Department helpline Lo-call 1850 211 990 for assistance.

In addition, the on-going 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. Local authorities are humanely disposing of a considerable number of horses seized under the Control of Horses Act on an on-going basis where there is no possibility of re-homing or returning these horses to their owners.

My Department also continues to stress that it is the responsibility of horse owners to ensure the welfare of horses in their ownership and/or their care and to dispose of them appropriately. 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 is was bred, he or she should dispose of the animal.

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