Animal welfare complaints in Cork surge by almost 25%

Some 310 animal welfare complaints have been made to the Department of Agriculture in Cork since January 2024, with this year’s figures representing a 24% increase on last year’s.

Information provided to Fianna Fáil TD Erin McGreehan in the Dáil shows that 158 animal welfare complaints were made to the Department of Agriculture’s confidential hotline in Cork from January to October 31 this year, the third highest in Ireland, and already more than the 152 made in the whole of 2024.

The 2025 figures are an average of 15.8 calls a month, a 24% increase from 12.7 a month on average in 2024.

Nationally, 2,063 calls have been made so far this year. There were 2,210 calls received by the department’s animal welfare helpline in 2024 and 1,609 in 2023, 1,251 in 2022, 880 in 2021, and 846 in 2020.

“My department takes the matter of animal welfare most seriously and is committed to the enforcement of the Animal Health and Welfare Act, 2013,” said agriculture minister Martin Heydon.

“Prosecutions under the act are pursued following investigations by authorised officers who investigate matters relating to animal cruelty and neglect.

“Offences under the act may be prosecuted in the district court by the minister for agriculture, food and the marine, local authorities, and members of An Garda Síochána.

“Since the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 came into operation in March 2014, over 200 cases have been successfully prosecuted by my department and the National Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

“I am committed to the policy that animal welfare standards are vigorously applied in a fair and even-handed manner.

“All reports of alleged animal neglect or cruelty, received by my department, are investigated and appropriate action is taken,” said Mr Heydon.

If members of the public are aware of any cases of suspected abuse or neglect of animals, they can contact the department’s animal welfare helpline on 01 607 2379 or by email at animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie.