Reply - Q9 Horse seizures

COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, May 11, 2026

QUESTION NO. 9

QUESTION: Councillor E. Ó Broin

To ask the Chief Executive if the Council still publishes, online and on Council notice boards, a list of horses that it has impounded?

REPLY:

SDCC publishes information regarding horses seized by the Council when ownership is unknown. Seized horses are held at the Council's Horse Pound, where a comprehensive description is documented and each animal is scanned for a microchip. If no microchip is present, one is implanted for identification purposes. The owner, if identified, will be notified accordingly. In cases where ownership cannot be determined, a public notice is posted at County Hall, Tallaght, Civic Offices, Clondalkin and on the Council’s website under Current Seized Horses detailing the horse(s) seized and stating that if not claimed within 5 days the horses will be disposed of or rehomed by the Council's Pound. All details in relation to horses seized are here Horses - SDCC If any horse have been seized and details published, they will be listed under seized horses here Seized Horses - SDCC At present, there are no horses listed.

Release conditions for Impounded Horses:

In order to reclaim a horse, the owner is required to produce the following documentation along with the relevant fees.

Owner’s official photographic I.D.

Proof of Ownership of the horse / horses
A valid Horse License (for each horse)
Horse Passport for each horse (for each horse)
Evidence that the horse is microchipped and registered
Proof of permission from equine registered landowner where horse/ horses are kept
Payment of all fees due to South Dublin County Council arising from the seizure and detention of the horse

South Dublin County Council can issue you a License at €30 (for each horse) and can also apply for a horse passport on your behalf at a cost of €98.50 per horse. Fees must be paid before the horse (s) are released.

To make a complaint or report stray horses:

Call into South Dublin County Council's Head Office or contact the office by phoning (01) 4149000 between 09.00 and 17.00.

For after-hours emergencies only, please contact your local Garda Station:
Tallaght (01) 6666000 | Ronanstown (01) 6667700

Clondalkin (01) 6667700 | Lucan (01) 6667300
Rathcoole (01) 6667900 | Rathfarnham (01) 6666500 | Terenure (01) 6666400

You may also e-mail info@sdublincoco.ie or use our Online Customer Care Contact Form.

Information on Legislation: Control of Horses Act, 1996

Other Useful Information:

DSPCA
E-Mail: info@dspca.ie
Web: www.dspca.ie