Written answers

Wednesday, 22 July 2020

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Animal Welfare

Photo of Emer HigginsEmer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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178. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to tackle animal cruelty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17469/20]

Photo of Dara CallearyDara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Programme for Government places a positive emphasis on animal welfare and specifically commits to the continued robust enforcement of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.

This Act provides a modern framework for regulating and applying standards in the area of animal health and welfare and replaced a number of enactments dating back over a century. The Act was passed, after a lengthy and constructive debate in both Houses of the Oireachtas and came into operation on 6 March 2014.

I and my Ministerial team are committed to the continued application of the Act.

Neglect of or causing unnecessary suffering to animals is not acceptable in our society. My Department continues to enforce the law in this important area along with An Garda Síochána, the Customs service, the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

My Department also provides support to animal welfare organisations to assist in rescuing and supporting the welfare of animals and to Local Authorities in supporting horse projects in urban areas. My Department works closely with these bodies and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all involved for their work in the field of animal welfare.

It remains my policy that animal welfare standards are vigorously applied in a fair and even-handed manner. Those responsible for causing unnecessary suffering to animals or being negligent regarding animal welfare will continue to held to account and sanctions applied up to and including prosecution through the Courts as and when necessary.

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