FOR the first time, support for the €816 million Irish Sport Horse industry has been clearly signalled in the new Programme for Government which also outlined a commitment to the key area of equine and animal welfare.

The document also outlined a welcome full commitment to Ireland’s flagship horseracing and bloodstock industry – worth over €1.2 billion to the country.

“We will continue to support the Sport Horse sector, recognising the need for increased ambition in this area to exploit the enormous potential of the sector from the perspective of competitive sport, welfare, traceability and breeding standards. The further implementation of Reaching New Heights, which underpins the sport horse industry is critical to that endeavour. We will ensure there is greater co-ordination between Government Departments on the delivery of this strategy,” the Programme for Government stated.

Harness Racing received a brief mention – “We will explore the potential development of the harness racing sector” – while it was made very clear that future funding of the greyhound industry depends on a guarantee of welfare standards being upheld annually.

“We will ensure strict monitoring takes place of this sector to ensure that the animal welfare commitments made to date are fully implemented.

“We will insist that funds committed to investment in greyhound welfare and rehoming programmes are delivered. We will fully implement the Greyhound Racing Act 2019, strengthening integrity in the industry and providing for a new system of traceability,” stated the Programme for Government document.

Horse Sport Ireland CEO Ronan Murphy commented: “We strongly welcome this important commitment in the Programme For Government towards the Irish Sport Horse industry which recognises both the importance of the sector and its enormous potential.

“We look forward to building on the relationships that we formed with all relevant departments and working with the incoming Government to further develop the full potential of the Irish Sport Horse sector.”

Horse Sport Ireland also welcomed the commitments given to support Rural Development, a new Rural Policy to promote rural recovery and development in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis and further enhancements of the LEADER Rural Development Programme.

Animal welfare

A very clear emphasis was contained in the Programme for Government on improving animal welfare standards with greater enforcement of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 and a review of sentencing for offenders.

Key measures include:

  • Prioritise equine welfare based on a robust traceability system, building on existing inspectorate supports across the country and ensuring a consistent approach to dealing with horse welfare issues across local authorities.
  • Develop additional urban horse welfare programmes, working with local authorities, charities and community stakeholders to provide stabling facilities and educational programmes.
  • Ensure robust and consistent enforcement of the Dog Breeding Establishments Act
  • Support a doubling of the ex-gratia funding for animal welfare organisations within two years.
  • Promote responsible pet ownership

    • The ISPCA commented: “On equines, we welcome the prioritisation of equine welfare based on a robust traceability system, building on existing inspectorate supports across the country and ensuring a consistent approach to dealing with horse welfare issues across local authorities.

    “We also welcome the commitment to develop additional urban horse welfare programmes, working with local authorities, charities and community stakeholders to provide stabling facilities and educational programmes. We hope this will encourage more equine owners to take full responsibility for their animals.’’

    Tackling TAMS II

    Meanwhile, the Breeders’ Alliance Lobby Group and the Mayo Roscommon Horse Breeders’ Group has put together a submission under the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS II) which they will be submitting to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine shortly.

    With the proposed CAP reform (2021-27) speculated to be delayed, there may be an extension of TAMS II for another year which lead the two groups to work together on the submission to facilitate the development of grant assisted facilities for Equine Farming.

    PRO of the Mayo Roscommon Horse Breeders’ Group, Patrick Hester, said: “We are developing proposals for CAP and hope to be included in TAMS II. We are currently gathering feedback and will then be putting our submission into the Department of Agriculture.

    “We have young producers leaving Ireland. Getting a grant is a great step up on the ladder. We are trying to collaborate with HSI and have had discussions with Ronan Murphy.”