Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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600. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the case of persons (details supplied); if he will instruct his Department to take all necessary measures to ensure existing animal rights legislation is enforced and regular inspections of facilities are conducted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13314/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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My Department takes the matter of animal welfare most seriously. The welfare of equines is protected by legislation, and 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.

My Department is aware of this matter however, it would not be appropriate to comment further on ongoing cases.

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