Recent Developments in Animal Welfare Law in Ireland

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingForeword/postscript

Abstract

This chapter explores the development of animal welfare legislation in Ireland. Embedded in the historical, economic, social, and cultural evolution of the Irish state, the relationship between humans and animals has been a notable feature. Beginning with the Act against the Plowing by the Tayle and pulling the Wooll off living Sheep of 1635, the Irish parliament was the first in the world to enact anti-cruelty legislation. While the motivations behind the Act were not so benevolent, it nevertheless endeavoured to prohibit cruel farming practices. The world’s first contemporary anti-cruelty statute, the Cruel Treatment of Cattle Act 1822, was drafted by an Irishmember of the Parliament of the United Kingdomof Great Britain and Ireland,RichardMartin. Although the Irish statewas founded in 1919, the Protection of Animals Act 1911, a bastion of British rule, remained in force until 2013.
The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 Act heralded a more rigorous approach to animal welfare in Ireland as it has increased the powers of authorised officials to investigate allegations of animal abuse. It also placed on a statutory basis, for the first time under Irish law, a duty to protect animal welfare. The robustness of the 2013 Act has been tested in the superior courts by way of judicial review.
Original languageEnglish (Ireland)
Title of host publicationAnimal Law Worldwide
Subtitle of host publicationKey Issues and Main Trends Across 27 Jurisdictions
EditorsFederico Dalpane, Maria Baideldinova
PublisherTMC Asser Press
Chapter10
Number of pages20
ISBN (Electronic) 978-94-6265-643-7
ISBN (Print)978-94-6265-642-0
Publication statusPublished - 21 Oct 2024

Keywords

  • Evolution of Animal Anti-Cruelty Legislation
  • Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013
  • Judicial Review
  • Animal Welfare Strategy
  • Fur Farming
  • Ear Cropping

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