COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

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

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

MOTION NO.9

MOTION: Councillor E. Ó Broin

That this Area Committee agrees to discuss its role in addressing Horse Welfare Issues that arise when horses are brought to the Ninth Lock of the Grand Canal in Clondalkin ostensibly for bathing.

REPORT:

The South Dublin County Council (Control of Horses) Byelaws, 2014 made under the Control of Horses Act, 1996 apply to the administrative area of South Dublin County.

Section 37(1) of the Control of Horses Act, 1996 provides that:

"an authorised person or a member of An Garda Síochána may seize and detail any horse that the person or member has reason to suspect is -

(a) a stray horse, or

(b) causing a nuisance, or

(c) not under adequate control, or

(d) posing a danger to person or property, or

(e) posing a threat to the health and welfare of persons or other animals, or

(f) being kept in a control area, without a horse licence in respect of it entitling the horse to be kept in that area, or

(g) not identifiable or capable of identification as may be required by section 28, or

(h) in or being kept or ridden or driven in an area contrary to any byelaws made under section 47."

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.