Call comes amid concerns on abandonment, unsafe breeds, and unregulated puppy farms

Fianna Fáil TD for Louth, Erin McGreehan has called for the establishment of a dedicated office and national director for Animal Welfare.

McGreehan makes these calls off the back of concerns of the increasing number of animals, in particular dogs, being abandoned, as well as unsafety of breeding and them being kept in unregulated puppy farms.

By way of Parliamentary Question, Deputy McGreehan raised this with the Minister for Agriculture, as she feels that we need to establish a dedicated office and national director for animal welfare.

“The Programme for Government places a positive emphasis on animal welfare and specifically 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.

She added: “I want to ensure that we tackle the issues such as abandonment, unsafe breeding and unregulated puppy farms. It is gut wrenching to hear of innocent and defenceless animals being treated so poorly, and we must crack down on it.

“That is why I feel a dedicated office and national director for animal welfare would be of great benefit at targeting these issues,” McGreehan said.

McGreehan appreciates and acknowledges the hard work of the Department on these issues already but believes more can be done.

“I acknowledge the hard work of the Department on ensuring that animal welfare standards are vigorously applied. Stakeholders and authorised officers such as An Garda Síochána, Customs agents, local authorities, the ISPCA and the DSPCA, undertake any enforcement action, where breaches or shortcomings are identified.

She stated, “I cannot express enough concern over the scale of the current crisis, particularly in relation to unregulated breeding and abandonment. I believe we should have a dedicated office and national director for animal welfare to deal with these issues appropriately and in a timely manner.

“I know my party colleague Minister Charlie McConalogue has done exceptional work in the area of animal welfare including banning remotely controlled electronic shock collars to protect puppies and ear cropping of dogs.

In December 2024, Fianna Fáil Minister Charlie McConalogue announced record funding of €6 million to 101 animal welfare charities nationwide, through the animal welfare grant programme, these awards also support the provision of education and knowledge sharing to the public on animal welfare and responsible pet ownership, helping to raise animal welfare standards.

Concluding McGreehan stated that these issues are of grave concern to her and encourages anyone who witnesses such incidents to contact the Department helpline or ring the relevant stakeholders.

“Neglect of or causing unnecessary suffering to animals is not acceptable in our society. Fianna Fáil is committed to animal welfare standards that are vigorously applied in a fair and even-handed manner,” she said.

“These issues are of grave concern to me. I would encourage the people of Louth if they witness any incidents of abandonment, unregulated puppy farms, or unsafe breeding of dogs in particular, to please contact animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie, or call 01 607 2379. 

For further information, reach out to Erin McGreehan.

ENDS