COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

MOTION NO. 6

MOTION: Councillor T. Ridge

That the Manager present a report to this Committee on the problem of wandering and abandoned horses in view of the annual increase at Christmas time and the suffering of the said horses.

REPORT:

Where the Council is aware that there are loose or abandoned horses in the public domain, the Council is empowered to round up the animals and bring them to the horse pound.  In 2010 a total of 133 horses were rounded up in the county at a substantial cost. Regrettably, only 15 of these horses were claimed by their owners. Where reports of wandering/abandoned horses are received, inspections are carried out to establish what action is necessary and arrangements are made to remove the horses or to require their removal where private landowners are involved.

A number of locations are currently under investigation following reports received and the Council is in constant contact with the DSPCA and the Dept of Agriculture.