COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM / TEMPLEOGUE / FIRHOUSE / BOHERNABREENA AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, September 13, 2022

MOTION NO. 10

MOTION: Councillor E. Murphy

To ask the Council to provide a report to this ACM on reports and complaints that they have received regarding the treatment of animals (namely horses and ponies) at the site on the top of Stocking Avenue. There have been reports of dead animals and decaying at the site in recent days.

REPORT:

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 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.gov.ie/en/publication/e881c-animal-welfare/#control-of-horses-statistics

The Council is continuing to monitor horses at this location in conjunction with our contractor and the DSPCA. To date in 2022 the Council has received 13 reports related to horses in the Stocking Avenue area and surrounds. All reports are logged even if they relate to the same horse(s) at the same location. Two horses have been seized to date; no owner has come forward.