COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, April 12, 2010

QUESTION NO.5

QUESTION: Councillor S. Crowe

To ask the Manager given the present economic climate and the over production of horses over the past number years and emergence of horses practically starving in some areas of the county, will he outline what is the protocol and procedures for dealing with this situation and who should concerned residents contact if they are aware of horses left in this condition? 

REPLY:

The Council exercises its powers under the Control of Horses Act 1996 and South Dublin County Council Bye Laws .  Where the Council is informed of a wandering or loose horse on public lands, it will seize the horse and bring it to the Council's horse pound in Urlingford and pursue the owner/holder of the animal at a later date.

The Council ,where it is aware that an animal is starving or abandoned has powers under the above legislation to enter lands and seize the animal. The Council works closely with the DSPCA in prioritising horse seizures on the basis of animal welfare considerations.

Where a member of the public is aware of horses wandering or abandoned, they should contact the Animal Control Section in the Environment Department.