Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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1231.To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department will put a stop to a cruel sport (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter.[34267/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is fully committed to the ongoing promotion of high animal welfare standards and to the continued enforcement of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, which provides a modern framework for applying standards in the area of animal health and welfare.

The event referred to by the Deputy, which apparently occurred on 1 August, has now been logged through my Department’s confidential animal welfare helpline for assessment and investigation, as appropriate.

The dedicated e-mail address and helpline in place for reporting suspected cases of animal welfare abuse are:

Helpline Phone No: 01 607 2379. Email address - animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie

Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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1232.To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he agrees that there should be a Government Department dedicated solely to animal welfare, which ensures that the voices of animal rights activists are recognised; if he will take concrete actions towards establishing this; and if he will make a statement on the matter.[34268/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, 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, which provides a modern framework for regulating and applying standards in the area of animal health and welfare.

My Department has lead policy responsibility within government for animal welfare and takes the matter of animal welfare most seriously. Neglect of or causing unnecessary suffering to animals is not acceptable in our society. I am committed to the policy that animal welfare standards are vigorously applied in a fair and even-handed manner.

My Department and authorised officers appointed under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, including An Garda Síochána, Customs agents, 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), undertake appropriate enforcement action, where breaches or shortcomings are identified. My Department keeps the Act under review in light of key developments in the areas of animal welfare, the law and having regard to the practical lessons learnt from operating the Act.

In 2021, I launched the Animal Welfare Strategy (2021-2025), which created a framework for engagement and collaboration with stakeholders to improve animal welfare, as well as establishing a dedicated Animal Welfare Division.

In December 2023, I announced record funding of €6 million to 101 animal welfare charities nationwide, through the animal welfare grant programme, these awards also support the provision of education and knowledge sharing to the public on animal welfare and responsible pet ownership, helping to raise animal welfare standards.

My Department operates a confidential animal welfare helpline and e-mail address through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect for investigation.

I am satisfied that these measures provide a comprehensive framework and sufficient safeguards to ensure the welfare of animals.

Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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1233.To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure that all equestrian facilities, showjumping yards, and so on, are thoroughly investigated for any breaches to animal welfare; and if he will make a statement on the matter.[34269/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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My Department takes the matter of animal welfare most seriously. Neglect of or causing unnecessary suffering to animals is not acceptable in our society. I am committed to the policy that animal welfare standards are vigorously applied in a fair and even-handed manner.

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, which provides a modern framework for regulating and applying standards in the area of animal health and welfare. Persons who have protected animals in their possession or under their control have clear responsibilities to ensure the welfare of such animals.

My Department and authorised officers appointed under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, including An Garda Síochána, Customs officials, local authorities, the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA), the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA), Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCE) and the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) carry out a range of controls/inspections (random, risk-based and in response to reported perceived non-compliances) in relation to animal welfare each year and undertake appropriate enforcement action where breaches or shortcomings are identified.

My Department continues to operate a confidential animal welfare helpline and email through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect. Such reports and complaints are made on a strictly confidential basis.

The e-mail address and Helpline number for reporting suspected cases of animal welfare breaches are as follows:

Phone - 01 607 2379 or at animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie.