Over 2,000 horses have been seized, and 279 horses have been euthanised since 2020, according to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon.

In response to a parliamentary question from Fianna Fáil TD Pádraig O'Sullivan, Minister Heydon provided the statistics based on data submitted by local authorities to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).

The minister added that the figures provided for 2024 have not been finalised and are subject to change.

"My department provides financial support to help local authorities with the costs of these seizures," the minister said.

"Last year €6 million in funding went to 101 animal welfare charities throughout the country, under the Animal Welfare Grant Programme. Of that figure, just over €3.4 million was awarded to charities involved in the care and welfare of horses," he added.

The welfare of equines is protected by legislation and appropriate enforcement action is undertaken by DAFM and authorised officers under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.

Any reports of welfare issues received by DAFM, including breaches of the animal welfare legislation, are acted upon and investigated.

The minister said he is "fully committed to supporting sustainable initiatives".

"As part of this commitment, I continue to support urban horse projects nationwide, which can foster community leadership and education in responsible horse ownership for young people," he said

"There are currently eight live projects and in October 2023, my department hosted a seminar dedicated to the promotion of the urban horse projects," he added.

Minister Heydon said his department operates a confidential animal welfare helpline through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect for investigation. The helpline number is 01 607 2379.