Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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1754. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures being taken to tackle the ongoing issue of illegal sulky racing on public roads, which presents a serious danger to road users and involves widespread mistreatment of horses and ponies; if the Minister is aware of recent documented incidents of such races, including one highlighted by an organisation (details supplied) which show clear evidence of animal abuse; and if he will commit dedicated resources to animal welfare violations associated with this practice. [45679/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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The use of sulkies 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. Revisions to this legislation would be a matter for the Minister for Transport. 

The drivers of all vehicles used on public roads, including horse-drawn carriages, are required to comply with road traffic legislation and to behave in a safe manner paying due care to other road users. The enforcement of such road traffic legislation is a matter for An Garda Síochána. 

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.  In this regard, 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. 

Any reports of neglect or cruelty to animals are investigated. My Department is aware of this case but does not comment on individual 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 email 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