Irish 'Pets' in Limbo!  Irish government washes its' hands of responsibility for 'pet' animals.

The stark reality for 'pet' or companion animals in Ireland is, there is no ministerial or departmental responsibility for their welfare and protection.  We have been informed by Minister Coughlan, " The position as regards my Department is that its statutory responsibility relates only to the welfare and protection of farmed animals and does not extend to animals kept as pets".

This revelation means no one in government has any responsibility for the protection and welfare of companion animals which goes some way towards explaining why the main animal protection legislation (The Protection of Animals Act, 1911) is coming up for its' centenary.  It's the same old story, an animal has no value in Ireland, unless you can sit on it, eat it, sell it, or bet on it.

Without a minister responsible, we cannot move forward in relation to public attitude, funding, or indeed much needed legislation.  This is a national scandal and one which successive governments have kept quiet. Many of the problems relating to the overproduction, abandonment and cruelty to animals comes down more to indifference and apathy as opposed to actual 'acts' of cruelty.  Given the apathy and indifference of our government, this attitude is not surprising.

Lack of ministerial responsibility impacts, not just on legislation, but in relation to funding.  At present, some rescue and welfare groups receive "ex gratia" payments from the Department of Agriculture and Food.  "ex gratia" comes from the Latin meaning 'by favour'.  It is when something is done voluntarily, or out of kindness.  There is no obligation on the part of the giver.  Animal welfare is not written into the book of estimates, so therefore the welfare community must wait until the minister estimates 'what is left in the pot' to see how much, if anything, they will get.

The rescue community provide a much needed public service and in a country which cares little for its companion animals, are overworked and undervalued.  The work carried out by these groups is voluntary and most people would think, it is a 'good cause'.  The National Lottery however, gives nothing to animal welfare because the Minister for Finance has decided that animals are not a worthy enough cause.  Departments such as Defence and Health receive Lotto funding, despite being heavily subsidised from central government.  Should we value golf courses more than our 'pets'?  The minister seems to think so.

Could the lack of a 'responsible minister' be the reason for animals being ignored for so long?  The answer to that is probably YES!  If you believe this is something which needs to be addressed, if you feel your own pets are entitled to protection, please contact the leader of the government, Mr Bertie Ahern and ask him, as leader of the country, what he intends to do about this appalling situation.

This revelation does not just impact on abandoned or abused animals, but on every companion animal in the country.  If you care, please make animal welfare an election issue in the upcoming general election.  Animals can't vote, you can, make it count for them.

Protect your pet, vote for change!