Thomas Gould (Cork North-Central, Sinn Fein)
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148. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the funding provided for the control of horses in Cork city. [65566/25]

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 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 and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA), where breaches or shortcomings are identified.

Any reports of welfare issues received by my Department, including breaches of the animal welfare legislation, are acted upon and investigated.

Under the Control of Horses Act 1996, local Authorities may take a range of actions in relation to equines. My Department provides financial support to help local authorities to, among other activities, facilitate equine seizures, however enforcement of the Act is a matter for the relevant local authority.

The funding provided by my Department to Cork City council, for the control of horses, from January to October 2025 was: €9,150.