COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

MOTION NO. 7

MOTION: Councillor M. Ward

"This Committee agrees that the Council should establish a Clondalkin Horse Welfare Forum involving SDCC, An Gardaí, My Lovely Horse, Clondalkin Equine Club and others to develop a coordinated approach to promoting horse welfare in the LEA."

REPORT:

South Dublin County Council takes the welfare of animals very seriously and already works closely with the DSPCA, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Clondalkin Equine Club, An Gardai, our Horse Contractor and various charities , and has a proven track record in very positive working relationships with those vested with responsibility for animal welfare and the promotion of responsible urban horse ownership.

The Council has developed a state of the art equine facility for the stabling of up to 20 horses, with significant assistance from Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, which is being managed by the Clondalkin Equine Club under a management licence subject to strict conditions relative to oversight / governance, application of equality legislation, membership / use of the facility, and application of strict animal welfare protection.  Animal welfare remains a priority and ongoing education and awareness will form part of the urban horse project programme. 

The Council is also in collaboration with the Veterinary Unit of University College Dublin in relation to veterinary / animal issues and with the Gardai in relation to community activity and safety.

While there has been an ongoing problem at a specific location within the Clondalkin Electoral Area, this matter is receiving full attention. Despite several almost daily attendances, it has proved very difficult to seize all the horses at this location, but this matter is now nearing resolution.

A communication and awareness programme in relation to responsible horse ownership and animal welfare will be developed by the Council and rolled out during 2017.

The Council continues open discussions with the Gardaí, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Marine, the Clondalkin Equine Club and others involved in animal / horse welfare.