Written answer
Horse Racing Industry
2509. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures being taken to improve welfare standards for horses used in sulky racing and to prevent the operation of unregulated racing events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55839/26]
Comment on this
Animal welfare is a key priority for me as Minister and for the Government.
The welfare of equines is protected by legislation and there is a commitment in the Programme for Government to build on existing inspectorate supports across the country, ensuring a consistent approach to dealing with horse welfare. However, it must be emphasised that primary responsibility for the health and welfare of equines lies with the owner or keeper.
My Department is responsible for policy and legislation in relation to the Control of Horses Act 1996, however the operation and enforcement of this Act comes under the remit of local authorities, who may take a range of actions in relation to equines including prohibiting horses in certain areas, the issuing of licences, the seizure of horses and the prosecution of offenders.
The use of horse-drawn vehicles, as with all vehicles on public roads, is governed by the relevant provisions of the Roads and Road Traffic Acts, which is under the remit of the Minister for Transport. The drivers of such vehicles are required to comply with road traffic legislation, with the enforcement of this legislation falling under the remits of the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration and the Minister for Transport. I have written to both Ministers, expressing my concern about the subject of horse-drawn vehicles on public roads from the perspective of road safety and animal welfare and asked them to nominate senior officials to meet with counterparts from my Department to scope out the issues involved and how they might be addressed.
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]