09/11/2026
Leinster Horse and Pony Rescue Welcomes New Animal Welfare Strategy — But Warns That Promises Must Finally Become Action
Leinster Horse and Pony Rescue (LHPR) welcomes the publication of the new Animal Welfare Strategy by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM). However, while we acknowledge the positive commitments outlined in the strategy, our welcome comes with a strong sense of caution.
For far too long, animal welfare organisations have heard promises of change, improved enforcement, greater accountability and stronger protections for vulnerable animals. Yet, time and time again, those working on the frontline have been left waiting for meaningful action.
We sincerely hope that this new strategy marks a genuine turning point for animal welfare in Ireland, rather than another set of commitments that fail to deliver the change so desperately needed.
The strategy's focus on higher welfare standards, stronger enforcement, improved governance and greater cooperation between authorities and animal welfare charities is encouraging. In particular, we welcome the commitment to tougher action against animal welfare offences and the proposed extension of the prosecution time limit from 12 to 24 months.
However, legislation and strategies are only as effective as their implementation.
At Leinster Horse and Pony Rescue, we see firsthand the devastating consequences of neglect, abandonment, cruelty and irresponsible ownership. We deal with the reality of animal welfare failures on the ground, often in extremely difficult circumstances and with limited resources.
We, along with many other animal welfare charities across Ireland, dedicate enormous amounts of time, energy and funding to rescuing, rehabilitating and protecting animals who have been failed by the very systems intended to safeguard them.
It is time that the Department recognises the true value of frontline animal welfare organisations.
Charities such as LHPR should not be viewed as an inconvenience, an obstacle or an afterthought. We should be recognised as essential resources, experienced partners and valuable assets in the fight against animal cruelty.
Our practical knowledge, experience and understanding of the challenges facing animal welfare in Ireland should be actively sought, respected and incorporated into policy development, enforcement procedures and decision-making.
Meaningful engagement cannot simply mean consultation after decisions have already been made. It must involve genuine collaboration, open communication, mutual respect and a willingness to listen to those who deal with animal welfare issues every single day.
We strongly believe that greater cooperation between DAFM, An Garda Síochána, local authorities and animal welfare charities is essential if this strategy is to succeed.
We also need to see clear accountability, consistent enforcement, adequate resources and measurable progress. Animal welfare cannot continue to depend so heavily on overstretched charities and volunteers stepping in when existing systems fall short.
The animals suffering neglect and cruelty cannot afford another round of empty promises. They need action, protection and accountability — now.
Leinster Horse and Pony Rescue remains willing to work constructively with the Department and all relevant agencies to achieve meaningful, lasting improvements in animal welfare.
We are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for our experience to be valued, our concerns to be heard and our contribution to be recognised.
We welcome the ambition of this new strategy, but we will judge its success not by the words written on paper, but by the difference it makes to the lives of animals across Ireland.
Our message to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is simple:
Please let this be the strategy that finally delivers. Listen to those on the frontline. Work with us, not around us. Turn promises into action.
The animals we fight for every day deserve nothing less.
Leinster Horse and Pony Rescue (LHPR)
Advocating for stronger animal welfare, meaningful accountability and a future where every animal is afforded the protection it deserves.
ENDS
