Stop pony persecutions, says My Lovely Horse

By Maurice Garvey

YOUNG lads buying a pony on the cheap to rally it for the summer before discarding it, has to stop, according to volunteer rescue group My Lovely Horse (MLH).

MLH received a recent report that a group of kids were overworking a small white pony in the Harelawn area of Clondalkin. The group have appealed for adults to take responsibility for their children’s actions.

A post on the MLH Facebook pages said children have been running the pony in Harelawn “all over the place” and have “been very rough and cruel to it.”

“It’s just not on to jockey a young pony – which is more than likely still growing and who’s back will be destroyed from this,” said the post.

“The practice of buying a pony for a couple of quid for something to rally for the summer is what’s happening. Time for parents to put an end to this. Or learn how to treat them properly and cop on.”

Tiffany Quinn, a volunteer with MLH told The Echo: “A lot of local people are willing to improve the welfare conditions for horses, but as usual, a small few are abusing ponies. They don’t seem to think that the animal feels pain.”

Quinn blames the system that is in place, citing a lack of regulation enforcement, and lack of education amongst those who buy ponies for pennies.

She continued: “The solution at the moment is the council will privately fund a pound, remove a horse and have it destroyed. Kids will just chip in and buy another. You have to stop the supply chain.

“Research has shown that a van with horses travels to places like Clondalkin, and they are sold without chipping, or veterinary care, to kids, some aged 11 and 12.

“We have got to get into communities, change the perception of kids, who may have had a difficult upbringing, but think it is their right to have a horse without being educated on how to care for one. We need a dedicated animal welfare unit with power.”

MLH will continue free gelding programmes in Adamstown in September.

“Gelding means less breeding, less supply, and higher values for a horse,” said Quinn.