Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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1775. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the possibility of outlawing the practice of sulky racing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46086/25]

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.  

My Department  also 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