I welcome the first Animal Welfare Awareness Day today (December 15th) and I am delighted to announce funding of €3.7 million to 98 animal welfare organisations around the country.
“I’m particularly pleased to see the SPCA in Laois receiving €21,000 and the SPCA in Offaly receiving €25,500, while the Irish Horse Rehoming Programme in Offaly getting €13,000.”
We need to increase our focus on the welfare of animals in this country. This government is allocating €3.7million to 98 animal welfare organisations nationwide. Clearly there is a need for their services, so we have to continue putting out the message – animals deserve proper care.
The ban on fur farming in Ireland, something the Green Party has fought long and hard for, is now making its way through the Oireachtas, and will be in place early next year. Ireland’s first Animal Welfare Strategy 2021-2025 was published in February and a dedicated Animal Welfare Division is in place in my Department since March.
We have introduced the first ever annual equine census in Ireland. This will assist us to ensure better welfare for equines across the country. The Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Council (FAWAC) has been re-launched and a new Advisory Council on Companion Animal Welfare has been established.
While there are many other aspects still to address in relation to animal welfare in this country, I am happy that progress is being made under this government.