2779. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding any inspection mechanisms in place to prevent the abandonment of older pets or pets that have serious illnesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62964/26]

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 legal framework within which issues relating to animal neglect or cruelty are addressed, is the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. It is an offence under Section 14 of the Act to abandon an animal. My Department and authorised officers appointed under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, including An Garda Síochána, Customs agents, local authorities and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA), undertake appropriate enforcement action, where breaches or shortcomings are identified

Cruelty or neglect of animals is unacceptable, and I want to underline that all pet owners have a role to play in ensuring their welfare: in ensuring that they only get a pet if they have the time and resources to look after it properly for its lifetime.

My Department operates a confidential animal welfare helpline through which members of the public can report incidents of suspected animal cruelty or neglect including abandonment 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

All reports of alleged cruelty or neglect received by my Department are investigated and appropriate action is taken.