merrion street

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue T.D. opened the Animal Welfare Charities Seminar, which was held on Wednesday 5th October in the Department’s Backweston Campus. The meeting was well attended by large number of animal welfare charities, with both in-person and online participation by many charity staff and volunteers.

The Minister spoke of his commitment to animal welfare and partnership with the stakeholders involved.

“Animal welfare charities play a crucial role in helping animals in need, educating people and raising public awareness about improving animal welfare. Animal welfare is increasingly important to people in Ireland and I consider it a priority for my Department. We are ever more aware of the inter-relationship between the welfare of animals and human wellbeing. This is reflected in the publication of Ireland’s first animal welfare strategy last year, titled “Working Together for Animal Welfare, Ireland's Animal Welfare Strategy 2021-2025”. My Department’s Animal Welfare Grants Programme is a clear acknowledgement of the vital work of animal welfare charities.

 

“Last December, I was pleased to announce record animal welfare grant funding of over €3.7 million.  I intend to deliver on the Programme for Government commitment to further increase the funding allocated via the grants programme in 2022. Again, this year’s animal welfare funding for registered charities will recognise the importance of education and dissemination of knowledge to improve animal welfare and consequently the welfare of all. Today has given my Department the opportunity to connect and listen to our much valued registered animal welfare charities. It is by working together in partnership that we can strive to protect and improve the welfare of animals in Ireland. ” 

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