Fettercairn residents worried about horses grazing on green

RESIDENTS living in Kilcarrig Green in Fettercairn have this week continued to raise their concerns about horses being left to graze on a patch of green space on their road.

An ongoing issue, a number of residents have claimed that the presence of horses has gotten increasingly worse in recent weeks – with large horses being left to graze on their green space “all day, every day”.

One resident told The Echo: “This is only a small patch of land and is not ideal for horses or their wellbeing, it’s not a safe environment for them.

“We’re also very worried about the danger these horses pose to people living on the road, especially children.

“These horses are living on our doorsteps, all day, every day, and there is the very real possibility that they could hurt a resident or themselves.”

The resident added: “We are constantly contacting the council, but nothing has been done, despite these horses presenting a health and safety issue to the community.”

When contacted by The Echo, a spokeswoman for South Dublin County Council said that the local authority is “fully conscious” of the presence of horses in this area.

The spokeswoman said: “Essential logistical arrangements are required, and are currently being made, to enable removal of these horses.”

From the start of January until the end of August, the council has seized 183 horses throughout the county, compared to 133 for the same eight-month period in 2015.