Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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1258. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of horses being put in subpar conditions in Limerick city, which has led to the deaths of these animals; his plans to address this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11125/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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My Department takes the matter of animal welfare seriously. The welfare of equines is protected by legislation. My Department takes appropriate enforcement action where breaches or shortcomings are identified and responds to any reports of alleged animal cruelty or legislative non-compliance. 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 provides funding to local authorities as a contribution towards the costs incurred by them in operation of the Control of Horses Act, 1996. Enforcement of the Act is a matter for the relevant local authority. The Act is currently under review within my Department and plans for replacement legislation are advancing.

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