‘Loose horses’ calls from public peaked at 1,500

By Echo Reporter

UP TO 1,500 calls regarding loose horses were reported to South Dublin County Council in 2016.

From January 1 to December 31, 2016, the council’s enforcement and licencing department received 1,460 calls from the general public reporting loose horses – an average of 121 reports a month.

SDCC say there is no record regarding the physical condition of the horses when seized.

Labour councillor Breeda Bonner raised a recent motion at the Clondalkin area meeting, raising concerns on mistreated and neglected horses in “a number of locations in Clondalkin.”

In response, SDCC said all reports are referred to the contractor engaged by the council for their horse-seizure service and horse-pound facility.

A council spokesperson said: “All seized horses are taken to the horse pound facility where they are microchipped on arrival – if not already microchipped – and examined by a veterinary practitioner.

“Horses which are unsuitable for re-homing or not reclaimed by their owners within a period of five days from the date of seizure and detention, may be disposed of by the council (or Garda Superintendent) by way of sale, destruction or re-homing.”

The council’s Control of Horses bye-laws were adopted in 2014 and have “provided the council with stronger tools to deal with issues which impact negatively on communities and animals alike.”

Seized equines may be released to the owner or keeper of the horse upon provision of relevant documentation, including proof of ownership, horse licence, passport, and detail on suitability of location where the horse is to be kept.