Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, has (Wednesday, December 15) announced funding of over €3.7 million to 98 animal welfare organisations nationwide.

The funding announcement has been made on the inaugural Animal Welfare Awareness Day, an initiative to raise awareness of animal welfare.

Making the announcement, Minister McConalogue said the funding for animal welfare organisations was evidence of the government’s ongoing commitment to animal welfare.

To mark the day, the minister visited donkeys housed at Farmleigh Estate together with the Donkey Sanctuary and visited the DSPCA headquarters in Rathfarnham, Dublin.

Minister McConalogue said: "I am delighted that on the first ever Animal Welfare Awareness Day, I can acknowledge the fantastic effort and commitment of our amazing animal welfare organisations and, indeed, the many volunteers dedicated to animal welfare.

“This additional support will make a real difference to the welfare of animals nationwide.”

Among the animal welfare organisations to benefit are Rural Animal Welfare Services in Bantry, Co. Cork and The Haven Rescue Tipperary.

Referencing the 'One Health, One Welfare' ethos outlined in the Animal Welfare Strategy 2021-2025, the minister cited the relationship between animal and human welfare.

“Animal welfare is increasingly important to Irish citizens, and we are ever more aware of the inter-relationship between the welfare of animals and human wellbeing," he said.

The minister added that the awards align with the ambitions of the Animal Welfare Strategy 2021-2025.

Minister McConalogue has urged people to think carefully before getting a pet this Christmas.

"A pet can bring great joy, but with that comes responsibility. Owning and caring for a pet is a major, long-term commitment," he said.

Finally, the minister said that he and his department will continue to work closely with animal welfare groups and other stakeholders in the promotion of animal welfare. 

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) operates a dedicated email address and helpline for members of the public to report incidents of animal neglect and cruelty.