Irish animal welfare helpline gets record 2,040 calls in 10 months
There were 1,609 calls in 2023 and 1,251 in 2022. The numbers for each of the two previous years were much lower, at 880 and 846. File photo
The number of calls being received by the Department of Agriculture’s confidential animal welfare helpline is on the rise, according to figures given to Cork North Central, Fianna Fail TD Pádraig O'Sullivan by agriculture minister Martin Heydon.
A total of 8,836 calls were received in the period from 2020, with a record 2,040 calls being recorded for the 10-month period up to the end of October this year, compared with 2,210 for all of 2024.
There were 1,609 calls in 2023 and 1,251 in 2022. The numbers for each of the two previous years were much lower, at 880 and 846.
Deputy O’Sullivan also asked the minister for the number of calls which prompted investigations and the number of staff working in the department’s animal welfare unit.
He also sought details on the level of co-ordination between the department, the GardaĂ, and local authorities, his views on whether the current arrangements are effective and if animal welfare charities are carrying an undue share of the responsibility.
Minister Heydon said he was committed to the policy that animal welfare standards are vigorously applied in a fair and even-handed manner. All reports of alleged animal cruelty or neglect received by the department are investigated.
The department and authorised officers appointed under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, including An Garda SĂochána, 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.
He said the department keeps the Act under review considering key developments in the areas of animal welfare, the law and having regard to the practical lessons learned from operating the legislation.
About 1,000 staff within the department have been designated as authorised officers under the Act. A large number are based in Regional Veterinary Offices, providing nationwide coverage.
“I do not comment on individual cases, however, if members of the public are aware of any cases of suspected abuse or neglect, they can contact my department's animal welfare helpline,” he said.
