Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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101. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if, in light of the recent RTÉ findings on the appalling treatment of horses, he will make a commitment to improve animal welfare standards and strengthen the enforcement of the current laws in place to address this ongoing problem; the measures will he introduce to prevent instances of animal cruelty from continuing, not just in relation to horses but in the ongoing issue of ‘puppy farming’ in Ireland; the measures he will take to increase animal welfare training among gardaí, customs officers, and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26345/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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My Department takes the matter of animal welfare most seriously.

The RTE Primetime footage broadcast last week showing incidents of animal cruelty was extremely upsetting and I share the reaction of views who were appalled and upset by such a blatant disregard for the welfare of horses. An investigation into this matter is ongoing.

The welfare of equines is protected by legislation and appropriate enforcement action is undertaken by my Department and authorised officers under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, including An Garda Síochána, Customs agents, authorised officers appointed by local authorities, the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) and the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA), where breaches or shortcomings are identified. Any reports of welfare issues received by my Department, including breaches of the animal welfare legislation, are acted upon and investigated.

My Department continually reviews and works to update legislation, in relation to Animal Welfare, in order to strengthen and improve standards, with controls and procedures in place for ear cropping of dogs and work under way to ban the use of remotely controlled electronic shock collars on dogs and cats, being recent updates in this regard.

Responsibility for Dog Breeding Establishments lies with the Department of Rural and Community Development as provided for by the Dog Breeding Establishments Act, 2010.