COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, July 10, 2017

QUESTION NO.17

QUESTION: Councillor F. Timmons

That a full report be issued on the number of horses having to be put down January to June 2017 and the cost of this and an update on below agreed motion 

51559	Councillor F. Timmons	County Council	December 2016 County Council Meeting	Motions	15/11/2016
That this committee supports My Lovely Horse Rescue calls to council for enforcement of the Control of horses Act and the council bye laws and that the council considers placing signage in all parks and open spaces - a sign to state such,  won't be tolerated. Also to enforce the requirement for a horse licence, and compliant stabling etc. - all already in bye laws - Also to review the penalties for non compliance that looks at ways to make people comply and enable enforcement. Also, educate people on the bye laws - maybe people literally haven't a clue that they need a horse licence (in a control area), a chip, a passport and an EPN. Equine premises contacts etc. That the Minister be written to and asked to review legislation and that SDCC review its bye Laws and enforcement of same.

REPLY:

The 2017 budget for Control of Horses is €187,300 which includes for all administrative and contract costs associated with management of the activity.

There were 117 horses impounded from 1st January 2017 to 31st May 2017 of which 106 were euthanised.

The Council's (Control of Horses) Bye-Laws 2014 were adopted on 10th February 2014 and implemented with effect from 12th March 2014 and our Enforcement and Licensing Section actively enforces the provisions of these Bye-Laws and the Control of Horses Act 1996 as well as guidelines issued by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

There are no urban horse problems within the Council's dedicated parks. However, primarily, problems continue to be experienced in open spaces, vacant private lands and within some residential areas.

The Council works closely with the DSPCA; the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, (DAFM), Clondalkin Equine Club; An Garda Síochána; our Horse Contractor and various other charity / voluntary groups and NGOs to prevent cruelty to animals, and to promote responsible urban horse ownership. 

It can be confirmed that there are proposals to development a collaborative communication and awareness programme in relation to responsible horse ownerships and animal welfare and details of this will be available shortly.

As recently requested by Council, the proposed establishment of a subcommittee of the SPC to consider a review of the existing Byelaws is also scheduled for discussion at the September 2017 SPC meeting.