Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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18. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider examining the way to co-ordinate the roles of various Departments (details supplied) in relation to animal welfare issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12195/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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My Department works collaboratively on a range of issues with other Departments.

With regard to the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, officials of my Department co-operate very closely with colleagues from that Department and with officials in the local authorities, in particular, in relation to implementation of the Control of Horses Act and legislation relating to dog breeding establishments (DBEs). In 2015, a joint inspection programme of dog breeding establishments involving both Departments was conducted with a view to ensuring that these establishments complied with the provisions of the 2013 Animal Health and Welfare Act.  While most of the establishments were found to comply  with the provisions of the Act, corrective action was taken carried out in an integrated manner by officers of my Department and the relevant Local Authorities where necessary following the discovery of individual cases of non-compliance.

My Department liaises on a daily basis with Local Authorities in relation to the enforcement of the Control of Horses Act 1996 and the provisions of the Animal Health and Welfare Act generally. Under Section 37(2) of the Act, the manager of a local authority may appoint authorised officers to exercise functions conferred on them for the purposes of enforcing the 2013 Animal Health and Welfare Act. With regard to the Control of Horses Act, the removal of stray or abandoned horses is frequently undertaken jointly by officials of my Department and of the Local Authorities. In addition, the development of urban/traveller horse projects, which seek to reduce the number of stray horses and educate young people in the care of animals, is an outcome of the co-operation between my Department and the Local Authorities. I am glad to report a major improvement in horse welfare outcomes in recent years.

My Department also works collaboratively with the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. Areas of engagement include those covered under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). My Department liaises with the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs on invasive alien species, particularly with regard to the monitoring and control of entry into Ireland of species which have been identified, at national and European level, as a potential threat to our native biodiversity.

I can assure the Deputy that this on-going level of co-operation will continue with the other Departments in the period ahead.

1. Section 37 (2) of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 allows managers of Local Authorities to appoint authorised officers for the purposes of enforcing the Act within the functional area of the Authority. Excerpt is as follows:

‘The manager of a local authority for the purposes of enforcing this Act in the functional area of the authority, or other authority in accordance withsubsection (6)(b), may, appoint in writing, such officers of the authority as he or she considers appropriate to be authorised officers for the exercise of all or any of the functions conferred on an authorised officer under this Act in the functional area of the authority, or other authority in accordance with subsection (6)(b), specified in the appointment’

2. Dog Breeding Establishment Inspections between DAFM and Local Authorities in 2015

In 2015 DAFM has conducted in the order of 70 joint inspections of Dog Breeding Establishments with Local Authority personnel. Sean O’Laoide county veterinary officer in Westmeath County Council sits on the Farmed Animal Welfare Advisory Council (FAWAC) funded by the Department and has an integral role to play in terms of identifying and dealing with dog breeding welfare issues.

Figures for 2016 not yet collated.

3. Current prosecutions being undertaken under the Animal Health and Welfare Act

38

4. Calls to DAFM Animal Welfare Helpline in 2016

- 643 Designated Department Animal Welfare Cases

- 466 Calls referred to others (ISPCA, DSPCA, etc)

- 1109 Total

5. Urban/Traveller Horse Projects

In a number of these projects DAFM has provided funding in coordination with the Local Authority Veterinary Services for initial capital costs such as stables, fencing and also fund education courses in welfare training such as farriery courses. Land is supplied by Local Authorities. New project opened by the Minister in Clondalkin in 2017. Projects should endeavour to be self-financing. Projects have very high approval rate amongst members.

DAFM spend on Urban Horse Projects in 2016 - €782,728

Seizures under Control of Horses Act in 2016 - €725,171

6. Examples of Welfare Officers appointed by local Authorities

- Dog Warden

- Veterinary Inspectors

- Employees of Dog Pounds

7. Example of cases where Zoo asked for clarification on the Animal Health and Welfare Act

Pinioning - Cutting flight feathers of birds

Feeding of live vertebrates- e.g. feeding live mice to snakes.