05/05/2017

Call For Govt To Introduce Animal Welfare In Primary Schools

The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) is calling on the Government to introduce an Animal Welfare and Responsible Pet Ownership module into the primary school curriculum to reduce cases of cruelty and neglect involving animals.

A similar model was introduced in many Educate Together schools over two years ago.

ISPCA Chief Executive Officer, Dr Andrew Kelly, said: "The ISPCA believes that education is key to better animal welfare and responsible pet ownership and should be included in every primary school curriculum across Ireland. Last year, over 16,000 calls were made to the National Animal Cruelty Helpline resulting in 3,200 investigations, 995 animals seized or surrendered and 32 prosecutions instigated under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. The vast majority of animal welfare cases was due to a lack of understanding of animal welfare needs and pet owners legal responsibility under the animal health and welfare act. This is where improved animal welfare education can play an import role in cutting those numbers. A simple measure like this could improve the welfare of tens of thousands of animals in the future."

(CD/LM)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

30 June 2016
Funding Available For Animal Welfare Groups - Creed
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed, is inviting applications from animal welfare bodies for ex-gratia funding. The Minister stated that it was important for the government to support and acknowledge the "great work" being carried out by the welfare bodies in protecting animals in need.
19 May 2014
New Animal Welfare Regulations Welcomed
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Simon Coveney has announced new animal welfare measures, which include new horse regulations and a review of the Control of Horses Act. Welcoming the news, Fine Gael TD for Kildare South, Martin Heydon said: "Horse Welfare has been an issue of concern in recent times.
22 April 2009
Dublin SPCA To Host One-Day Animal Welfare Workshop
The Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is hosting a one-day animal welfare workshop entitled 'Animal CSI: Using Veterinary Forensics to Make and Win Animal Cruelty Cases', on Friday 24 April at O'Reilly Hall, University College Dublin.
13 May 2013
Inspectors Catch "Welfare Tourists" At Dublin Airport
One hundred so-called “welfare tourists” have been caught flying into Dublin Airport in order to sign on for social welfare payments, according to the Irish Independent.
02 February 2012
Byrne Welcomes End Of Supplementary Welfare Allowance
Fine Gael has welcomed the decision by the Minister for Social Protection to overhaul the supplementary welfare allowance and exceptional needs payments, which could see an end to the communion and confirmation payments.