COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF LUCAN/PALMERSTON/NORTH CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, November 24, 2020

QUESTION NO. 8

QUESTION: Councillor P. Gogarty

To ask Chief Executive to report on actions taken and prosecutions issued following the most recent reports of mistreatment of horses at various locations within the Clonburris SDZ lands; and if a statement can be made on the matter.

REPLY:

Under the Control of Horses Act, 1996, all local authorities are responsible for the control of horses in their areas. In accordance with the provisions of this Act, South Dublin County Council's Control of Horses Bye-Laws, 2014 were made on 10th February 2014 and implemented with effect from 12th March 2014. These Byelaws are actively enforced and provide the Council with tools to deal with issues which impact negatively on communities and animals alike.

The legislation associated with the Control of Horses Act 1996 is currently under review at Central Government level, following this review and any subsequent amendments to this legislation which ensue, a review of the Council's Control of Horse Bye laws will be then carried out.

Problems associated with keeping 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 from an animal welfare perspective 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.

Statistics in relation to horse seizures nationally are available from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine through the following link: https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/animalhealthwelfare/animalwelfare/controlofhorses/

The Council is continuing to monitor the horse at this location in conjunction with our contractor. To date, two horses have been seized, neither of which was previously microchipped; no owner has come forward.