ACCAW was established on foot of the new Animal Welfare Strategy 2021-2025. It has been modelled on the very successful FAWAC stakeholder model. This brings together the key actors in the Companion Animal Welfare space in Ireland including Academia, The Veterinary Profession., Animal Rescues, Animal Behaviourists and Animal Welfare Organisations.
Since, the Advisory Council on Companion Animal Welfare (ACCAW) was convened in November 2021 there has been great progress on identifying the key animal welfare issues specific to companion animals in Ireland that needs to be addressed.
A key hazard for the welfare of companion animals is the breeding of dogs and cats with extreme conformation. This leads to the birth of animals with innate health challenges. The first working group established by ACCAW was the Brachiocephalic Sub Group. A report was produced in March 2023. An action taken arising from this report was to write to the advertising sector in Ireland and to request that they desist from the use of flat faced dogs in advertising campaigns.
The minister for Agriculture has sought the views of ACCAW on issues such as the surgical artificial insemination of dogs and the use of electric collars on dogs.
Effective communication is important in promoting animal welfare. I am delighted to report that ACCAW website is now up and running www.accaw.ie.
We are continually being faced with new challenges on how we deal with animal welfare. I am confident that Council will continue to rise to the challenge of promoting animal welfare in a practical way and will continue to explore and examine ways of enhancing the wellbeing of companion animals.
ACCAW is cognisant of the importance of European actions and research in companion animal welfare and in this regard works closely with similar, organisations through contacts with the European Forum of Animal Welfare Councils (EuroFAWC). I also welcome the first major initiative on companion animal welfare taken by the European Commission this year
I would like to express my appreciation to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD, for his commitment to enhance good animal welfare practices among the community.
I am very grateful to all our members of ACCAW and to those who serve on its sub-groups for their considerable support and co-operation. Their advice and contributions greatly enhance the work of ACCAW.
I would also like to thank the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for its ongoing support.
Dr Seán Ó Laoide
Chairman
October 2024