Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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476. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of animal welfare complaints concerning horses made to his Department in each of the years 2014 to 2017 and to date in 2018; the number of complaints that were investigated by animal welfare officers; the number of fines and or prosecutions made following those investigations in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39538/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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As you will be aware my Department operates an Animal Welfare Helpline Lo-call 0761 064408 along with a dedicated email address AnimalWelfare@agriculture.gov.iewhich facilitates the reporting by members of the public of concerns in regard to the welfare of animals. All calls received are treated in confidence.

The animal welfare hotline exists for the reporting of specific incidents relating to animal welfare in need of urgent attention by an authorised officer of my Department. All complaints received are investigated by officials of my Department.

The horse welfare situation continues to be kept under close review. Supply and demand are much more aligned and export markets have been quite strong in recent years. The Department continues to work closely with welfare organisations in improving equine welfare. The Department is also engaged with the Local authorities with a view to progressing suitable equine projects that will further enhance horse welfare.