Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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140. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking in response to concerns from organisation examining animal cruelty. [7078/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I assure the Deputy that my policy and the policy of Government is clear and consistent - animal cruelty is totally unacceptable. My Department operates a confidential animal welfare helpline through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect.

In addition to its own staff, the Department has a service level agreement with a number of organisations - including the organisation that the Deputy referred to - facilitating the appointment of authorised officers in these organisations and enabling further enforcement of this welfare legislation.

All reports of suspected neglect or abuse are followed up by Department veterinary staff in the Regional Veterinary Offices or in some cases they are referred to authorised officers in these other organisations who have authorised officers, for investigation.

The organisation in question has a strong record in rescuing, rehabilitating and re-homing animals and is to the forefront in educating and heightening public awareness on how best to care for animals. Its authorised officers play a vital role in implementing the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, delivering on the Programme for Government commitment to robust enforcement. Indeed, the ongoing co-operation between my Department, the NGOs, local authorities, Customs and An Garda Síochána has contributed significantly in addressing cases where animal welfare is compromised

In recognition of the important role played by the many organisations safeguarding animals throughout the country, in December 2021 I announced record funding of over €3.7 million for 98 eligible animal welfare organisations. Of this, I was pleased to award very significant funding to the organisation mentioned. This exchequer funding helps the organisation continue its excellent work countrywide.