380. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether sufficient legislation exists to deal with wandering and stray horses in urban areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [75041/26]

My Department takes the matter of animal welfare, including equine welfare, most seriously. 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.

The Programme for Government also commits to the continued robust enforcement of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, which provides a modern framework for regulating and applying standards in the area of animal health and 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 and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) undertake appropriate enforcement action, where breaches or shortcomings are identified.

My Department keeps the Act under review in light of key developments in the area of animal health and welfare, the legislative environment more generally, and having regard to the practical lessons learned from operating the Act.

My Department is responsible for all policy and legislation in relation to the Control of Horses Act, 1996, however, operation of the Act comes under the remit of the local authorities.

Under the Act, local authorities may take a range of actions in relation to equines including prohibiting horses in certain areas, the issuing of licences and the seizure of horses in contravention of the Act.  These powers can be used in respect of straying horses, which includes horses put on land without the owner’s permission, including public land.  Local authorities may also prosecute offenders. The Act is currently under review by my Department.

My Department has also led efforts to considerably enhance equine traceability, a key element in equine welfare.

Considerable funding is provided to support, eligible, animal welfare charities, nationwide, through the annual Animal Welfare Grant Programme, which is administered by my Department.

In December 2025, I provided funding of almost €6.5 million to 94 animal welfare charities throughout the country, under this programme.  Of that figure, just over €4 million was awarded to charities involved in the care and welfare of horses.

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