COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN, NEWCASTLE, RATHCOOLE, SAGGART AND BRITTAS AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

MOTION NO.17

MOTION: Councillor E. Ó Broin

That this Area Committee agrees that SDCC should address the issue of wandering horses in the Boherboy area of Saggart. Members Reps. ID: 1763076 refers.

REPORT:

Since January 2023, the Council has not received any reports of loose or stray horses in the area mentioned in the motion. On each previous occasion that a report was received, the Council's contractor attended, but on arrival there were no horses present at the location.

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 carried out.

Problems associated with keeping horses 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