Joe Cooney (Clare, Fine Gael)
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753. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the protections that are in place for wild animals, such as the zebras; if legislation is required in Ireland to buy, sell or keep them, or to import them into the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16659/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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A zebra is an animal of the equine species and is therefore required to comply with all of the EU equine identification and health certification requirements applicable to other equines such as horses and donkeys.

There are several species and sub species of zebra. Depending on the species of wild animal involved, The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wind Fauna and Flora (CITES) and associated regulations may be applicable to the import and licensing of such animals, which fall under the responsibility of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

The requirements for equine identification are set down in EU law through Regulation 2016/429 “The Animal Health Law”. In accordance with these rules, all equine owners must ensure their equine is kept at a premises issued with an equine premises registration number by my Department. They must also ensure that their equines are correctly identified by applying to the relevant passport issuing organisation (PIO) for an equine passport. A correctly identified equine will have:

• a universal equine life number (UELN) which is assigned by the PIO
• a physical means of identification (microchip) which unequivocally links the kept animal with the identification document and which can only be implanted by a registered veterinary practitioner.
• a correctly completed single lifetime identification document (equine passport).

All animals moved within the EU must travel with a veterinary health certificate and comply with conditions outlined in Commission Implementing Regulation EU 2021/403.

Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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754. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will instruct his Department to examine the conditions in relation to horse drawn carriages to ensure these animals are not placed under excessive stress such as when carrying excessive loads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16669/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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My Department takes the matter of animal welfare most seriously 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.

The welfare of equines is protected by legislation and appropriate enforcement action is taken where breaches or shortcomings are identified. Primary responsibility for protecting the welfare of equines rests with the owner or keeper. 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.

The use of horse carriages on public roads specifically, as with the use of all vehicles, including animal-drawn vehicles, is governed by the relevant provisions of the Roads and Road Traffic Acts, under the road authority and An Garda Síochána. The Department of Transport are responsible for regulation of the area and I understand progress on a Horse Drawn Carriage Bill is at an advanced stage and listed on the Government’s Legislative Programme for Spring 2025.

Eoghan Kenny (Cork North-Central, Labour)
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755. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to combat animal welfare issues relating to the treatment and abuse of horses and ensure a higher standard and compliance with animal welfare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16671/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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My Department takes the matter of equine welfare most seriously. The welfare of equines is protected by legislation and there is a commitment in the Programme for Government to prioritise equine welfare and to build on existing inspectorate supports across the country, ensuring a consistent approach to dealing with horse welfare.

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.

I am fully committed to supporting sustainable initiatives in line with the Programme for Government and Working Together for Animal Welfare, Ireland's Animal Welfare Strategy 2021-2025. As part of this commitment, I continue to support a number of urban horse projects nationwide, which can foster community leadership and education in responsible horse ownership for young people.

Last year, funding of 6 million to 101 animal welfare charities nationwide was provided by my Department 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. Of that figure, just over €3.4 million was awarded to charities involved in the care and welfare of horses.

My Department recently published a report by Professor Patrick Wall on equine traceability and welfare, and has prepared an action plan to implement its recommendations.

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.

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

Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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756. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of the incident in which a foal was killed on a Dublin road (details supplied), in an area with a high concentration of horses; if, in order to prevent this in future, he will instruct his Department to look into setting up stables in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16676/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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My Department takes the matter of animal welfare most seriously 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.

The welfare of equines is protected by legislation and appropriate enforcement action is taken where breaches or shortcomings are identified. My Department is aware of this incident but cannot comment on individual cases which may be the subject of investigation. Primary responsibility for protecting the welfare of equines rests with the owner or keeper.