MANY of the political parties hoping to be elected to Government in next Friday’s General Election have a focus on animal welfare within their party manifestos.

The current three-party coalition of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party are all big on equine traceability, while the Greens say they will put an end to fox hunting. Under the headline ‘blood sports’, their manifesto reads: “The Green Party will bring in legislation to end hare coursing, fox hunting, hare hunting and mink hunting for sport.”

The Greens also pledge to “foster a co-ordinated approach to equine rescue, surrender and re-homing across both voluntary and public sector agencies”, as well as “rigorously enforce the imposition of penalties imposed by the court.”

In relation to equine traceability, Fine Gael say they will work to improve the system and “reforms will enhance the tracking and welfare of horses”.

Fianna Fáil say they will provide “further resources to improve animal welfare and traceability in our equine and greyhound industry”.

Passport system

The current backlog of passports was referred to by the Green Party, who said they will “ensure the passport system to track the ownership and movement of equines is implemented effectively”, while Labour’s manifesto reads: “After the horsemeat and recent abuse scandals, [we will] increase traceability in the equine sector to bovine standards.”

On page 101, Sinn Fein’s Deputy Martin Kenny said: “We need to see the basics delivered, including timely processing of horse passports, ownership application, and other identification processes.”

Sinn Féin’s General Election manifesto says, should they be elected, they would increase annual investment in animal welfare by €2 million. Among their pledges is the creation of an “Animal Welfare Commission to provide advice to government on animal welfare standards and policy”.

The topic of veterinary schools is on the agenda for Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, the latter pledging to “upgrade regional veterinary laboratories” and “significantly increase the number of trained vets through completing our expansion of veterinary education”.

The Racing and Greyhound Fund (80:20), which pertains to the thoroughbred industry’s funding, is a divisive topic among parties. The Green Party proposes to end the association between the two. Sinn Fein’s manifesto reads the funding would be “conditional on the elimination of animal cruelty,” while Labour says it will carry out an “independent review and reform the funding model.”

See more coverage on page 101.