Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Responding to the Programme for Government as well as public and stakeholder consultations, I launched Ireland’s first dedicated Animal Welfare Strategy earlier this year. Taking a ‘One Health, One Welfare’ approach, the strategy acknowledges and values the interconnections and interdependences between human, animal and environmental health, and equine welfare is central to the strategy. A dedicated Animal Welfare Division has been established to drive the initiatives outlined.

The Department takes a preventive approach to equine welfare challenges by developing facilities for urban horse populations and by supporting initiatives educating young people in the care and welfare of horses. This work is carried out in close collaboration with the Local Authorities across the country.

For example, the Department supports the DSPCA's equine castration and ID clinics and education programmes, and animal welfare organisations are helped provide summer projects for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds who care for horses.

I am also committed to providing additional funding in support of animal welfare in the coming years. Last December, I awarded a record €3.2 million to 101 animal welfare organisations countrywide, many of which are engaged in equine welfare activities. The 2021 application process is underway, and eligible registered animal welfare charities are invited to apply before 23 July.

My Department has primary policy responsibility for the welfare of all animals, including equines underpinned by the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 which provides a framework for applying standards in the area of animal health and welfare. The Act puts clear obligations on owners to look after animals under their care.

The Department continues to enforce the law in this important area, as do An Garda Síochána and authorised officers of the ISPCA and DSPCA.