Junior Agriculture Minister and Clare T.D. Tony Killeen has condemned the increasing number of cases of cruelty and neglect of horses, both locally and nationally.
Minister of State Killeen said that the actions of a small minority of Irish horse owners were undermining the continuing high standards being maintained by others.
“Recent media coverage of animal cruelty cases throughout Ireland, including County Clare, has once again highlighted the regrettable and unacceptable fact that some horse owners have utter disregard for the welfare of their animals”, he added.
Minister of State Killeen continued: “Owners have the primary responsibility for the welfare of their animals and local authorities, to which the Department of Agriculture provides annual funding of 2 million euro, have extensive powers available to them under the Control of Horses Acts. It is important that all those involved with horses fully understood their responsibilities.”
Meanwhile, the North Clare Deputy has paid tribute to the work being carried out by voluntary organisations involved in the delivery of animal care and welfare throughout County Clare, often in quite difficult and distressing conditions.
“Last year, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food contributed 1.185 million euro to animal welfare organisations across Ireland. The Department looks forward to the continuing co-operation of all groups involved in horse welfare. The Department also will continue to work closely with these groups to identify and intervene in potential welfare cases, particularly through the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Group”, he concluded.
Minister of State Killeen said that the actions of a small minority of Irish horse owners were undermining the continuing high standards being maintained by others.
“Recent media coverage of animal cruelty cases throughout Ireland, including County Clare, has once again highlighted the regrettable and unacceptable fact that some horse owners have utter disregard for the welfare of their animals”, he added.
Minister of State Killeen continued: “Owners have the primary responsibility for the welfare of their animals and local authorities, to which the Department of Agriculture provides annual funding of 2 million euro, have extensive powers available to them under the Control of Horses Acts. It is important that all those involved with horses fully understood their responsibilities.”
Meanwhile, the North Clare Deputy has paid tribute to the work being carried out by voluntary organisations involved in the delivery of animal care and welfare throughout County Clare, often in quite difficult and distressing conditions.
“Last year, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food contributed 1.185 million euro to animal welfare organisations across Ireland. The Department looks forward to the continuing co-operation of all groups involved in horse welfare. The Department also will continue to work closely with these groups to identify and intervene in potential welfare cases, particularly through the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Group”, he concluded.
