Coveney signs law strengthening powers over seizure of horses
At yesterday’s Animal Welfare Conference held in Dublin Castle, Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney signed the regulations into law, thus strengthening State powers on the seizure of horses and documents.
Mr Coveney said: “Current legislation provides that all equine animals must be identified and those equines identified on or after July 1, 2009, must be issued with a passport and must have a corresponding microchip implanted by a veterinary surgeon.
“Any person in possession of an equine is legally responsible to ensure the correct identification of that animal. All those involved with equines should be aware of their responsibilities and must abide by the law.”
Mr Coveney also announced a review of the Control of Horses Act, particularly in relation to recent animal welfare legislation, the identification of horses, and equine premises.
The Department of Agriculture also plans to subsidise welfare organisations who promote the micro chipping, passporting, and castration of stallions at a reduced price to owners.
Mr Coveney confirmed the final consultation phase on dog micro-chipping, which will be compulsory from January 1, 2016, will begin in the coming weeks.
A draft code is being drawn up in relation to the welfare of circus animals. However, the new animal welfare legislation does not cover the use of animals in circuses, hare coursing, fox hunting, fur farming, and puppy farms.
Animal welfare protestors picketing outside Dublin Castle called for controls on fox hunting and hare coursing. Laura Broxson of the National Animal Rights Association said regulations are not good enough as she called for an outright ban.
“The majority of Irish people are not animal abusers and the minister is letting a minority dictate what happens in this country. It’s simply not good enough,” she said.
Mr Coveney said the new legislation would lead to prosecutions of those who abuse animals, and would also regulate coursing and hunting. However, he said outright bans on hunting were not on the agenda.
