COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, September 10, 2018

QUESTION NO 25

QUESTION: Councillor F. Timmons

To ask for a report into horses that have been seized by SDCC from between January to August and cost of same? How many had to be put down? How many where re-housed or claimed?

Also to add comment on the working Regional Horse Forum set up by SDCC and efforts been made to tackle abandoned horses.

REPLY:

South Dublin County Council has responsibility for the administration of the Control of Horses Act 1996, which makes provision for the licensing of horses in urban areas (and other areas) where horses cause a danger to persons or property or nuisance.

Problems associated with keeping such horses in an urban area may include neglect and cruelty to the animals, damage to public property including parks, sports pitches and grass verges, danger posed to public safety and general nuisance posed by presence of horses in public places.

South Dublin County Council has a proven track record in the effective management of this service, and also works closely with the DSPCA in monitoring horses within South Dublin County.

All reports of loose/stray horses which are received from elected representatives, members of the public and Council staff are considered in a timely manner and, as appropriate, are referred to the contractor engaged by the Council for the provision and operation of the horse seizure service and horse pound facility. 

All seized horses are taken to the horse pound facility where they are microchipped on arrival, (if not already microchipped) and examined by a veterinary practitioner. Horses which are unsuitable for re-homing or not reclaimed by their owners within a period of five days from the date of seizure and detention the Council (or Garda Superintendent) may dispose of by way of sale, re-homing or animal euthanasia.

To date in 2018, (1st January to 31st July) 113 horses were impounded, 2 horses were reclaimed by their owners, 25 horses were rehomed and 86 horses were euthanised.  (It should be noted that not all animals seized are suitable for rehoming)

South Dublin County Council receives subvention from DAFM for the delivery of the service (specifically in relation to the cost of seizures) and total expenditure on managing the service to date (31/7/2018) is c €130,000

The Dublin Region Horse Welfare Working Group established in August 2017 has met on five occasions, with the most recent meeting held on 30th August 2018. 

Significant progress by 4 dedicated working groups in the following areas can be reported: