2763. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding any review of the Control of Horses Act 1996 to ensure the welfare needs of horses are expressly and meaningfully reflected in the legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62784/26]

My Department has lead policy responsibility within government for animal welfare and takes the matter of animal welfare most seriously. I am committed to the policy that animal welfare standards are vigorously applied in a fair and even-handed manner.

The welfare of equines is protected by legislation and 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. My Department has led efforts to considerably enhance equine traceability, a key element in equine welfare.

The Control of Horses Act 1996 was introduced to provide for the control of horses and to make provision for the licensing of horses in urban and other areas where horses cause a danger or nuisance to people or property. My Department provides funding to local authorities as a contribution towards the costs incurred by them in operation of the Control of Horses Act. Enforcement of the Act is a matter for the relevant local authority.

The Act is currently under review within my Department and plans for replacement legislation are advancing. As part of this process, my Department undertook a stakeholder consultation on the Control of Horses legislation. Four submissions were received and these are under consideration. The aim of this replacement legislation is to simplify and clarify procedures in the Act, in terms of seizures and disposal of horses in particular.