The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has confirmed that it "carried out a large-scale livestock seizure operation" at a farm in Co. Kilkenny last month.

It is understood that the seizure involved more than 200 cattle on a farm in North Kilkenny and that the livestock were seized under DAFM's powers in the Animal Health and Welfare Act.

DAFM confirmed that the seizure of the cattle was carried out "with the assistance of An Garda Síochána".

"As this matter relates to an ongoing investigation the department will not be providing any further comment," it added.

The legislative framework for animal welfare "seeks to ensure that animals are kept in such a way that their welfare is provided for".

In a statement DAFM outlined that it "takes the matter of animal welfare very seriously".

"Members of the public are reminded that the department operates a confidential helpline and e-mail address through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect for investigation.  

"The department does not comment on individual animal welfare cases," it added.

Earlier this month An Garda Síochána had also helped with the seizure of two horses on land near Naas in Co. Kildare.

Gardaí in Kildare had received calls from locals - at a time when a nationwide weather warning for low temperatures was in place - who were concerned for the welfare of the two horses on land near Naas.

According to gardaí the landowner had also been worried because the “animals were out constantly in severe cold with no shelter”.

In a post on social media they said: “The horses have been without shelter, sufficient water and grazing, and the weather is far too cold for them to be exposed to while outdoors.