Thomas Gould (Cork North-Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

687. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine who a person should contact regarding horses being held in poor conditions. [37709/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Under the Control of Horses Act 1996, local authorities may take a range of actions in relation to equines including prohibiting horses in certain areas, the issuing of licences and the seizure of horses in contravention of the Act. These powers can be used in respect of straying horses, which includes horses put on land without the owner’s permission, including public land. My Department provides financial support to help local authorities with the operation of the Act. Local authorities may also prosecute offenders.

The welfare of equines is protected by legislation. Where breaches or shortcomings are identified, appropriate enforcement action is undertaken by my Department and authorised officers under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, including An Garda Síochána, Customs agents, authorised officers appointed by 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). Any reports of welfare issues received by my Department, including breaches of the animal welfare legislation, are acted upon and investigated.

Should a member of the public have any concerns regarding horses being held in poor conditions, they can contact their local authority, An Garda Síochána or the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) and the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) . If a member of the public wishes to report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect for investigation, my Department operates a confidential animal welfare helpline, which can be contacted through:

Helpline Phone No: 01 607 2379.

Email address - animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie