Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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500. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he is taking to improve the welfare of dogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4636/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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The Animal Welfare Strategy 2021-2025 Working Together for Animal Welfare included a commitment to establish an Advisory Council on Companion Animal Welfare. The Council was established in 2021, with membership comprising representatives from Veterinary Ireland, UCD, the ISPCA, the DSPCA, the Dogs Trust, the Irish Blue Cross, the Irish Kennel Club and others. Members possess a diverse range of skill sets, allowing the Council to advise me on matters relating to companion animals including canines.

My Department is working with the Council to promote responsible dog ownership. This involves educating people on every aspect of caring for a dog, from getting a dog, keeping and managing a dog appropriately and breeding healthy dogs. An example of the work of the Council was in the development of the Department’s approach to the animal welfare issue posed by brachycephalic (flat-faced) dog breeds. These breeds have a high risk of health and welfare issues, including difficulty breathing, eye disease, spinal problems and skin infections.

In 2023, my Department, in conjunction with the Department of Rural and Community Development established the working group on dog control. The group has produced a report which was approved by Cabinet and subsequently published. One of the key recommendations of the report is the implementation of a media campaign, in collaboration with stakeholders and the Advisory Council on Companion Animal Welfare to encourage responsible dog ownership.

My officials are working with the Department of Rural and Community Development in relation to responsible dog ownership, to coordinate across government on this subject. Resulting from this collaboration, in December 2023, the responsible dog ownership leaflet was launched, which has been distributed widely and is available in electronic form online.

In August 2023, my Department introduced new strengthened legislation to end the practice of ear cropping of dogs. This was widely welcomed as an effective approach to protect puppies from this cruel practice, and instead to encourage a responsible approach to dog ownership and dog welfare.

Last year, the intention to ban the use on dogs and cats of electronic shock collars operated by hand-held remote controls was announced, which is another step forward to improve the welfare of dogs.

In November 2024, €6 million in funding was awarded to 101 animal welfare charities throughout the country, under the Animal Welfare Grant Programme. The funding recognises the importance of education and dissemination of knowledge to improve animal welfare. Imparting knowledge on animal welfare plays a crucial role in improving standards nationally.

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

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

Helpline Phone No: 01 607 2379.

Email address - animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie