People Before Profit TD, Gino Kenny, has welcomed the decrease in seizures of horses nationally but says that more needs to be done in regards to equine welfare enforcement.
Last year 1741 horses were impounded by all local authorities in the state. This year with the last quarter of 2017 yet to be calculated it’s predicted that overall seizures of equines nationally will be down by 15%-18% according to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine figures.
Dublin Mid-West TD, Gino Kenny, who has long campaigned for better enforcement and responsible horse ownership said, “I welcome the fact that there is a downward trend in seizures of horses nationally. This is partly due to better equine compliance and traceability by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine but the figures are still stubbornly high. The vast majority of horses which are impounded are sadly euthanised with only a very small percentage been re-homed.
“Disappointingly South Dublin County Council will have the highest impounding and seizures nationally but again this figure will be down from the 2016 by 15%-20%. SDCC to their credit have been proactive in tackling the figures over recent years. We hear of appalling neglect and abandonment of equines countrywide but it seems nobody is been held to account for their actions.
“There are positive stories though. Projects like the Clondalkin Equine Club and a variety of social horse clubs and equine welfare charities are promoting responsible urban/rural horse ownership. I really hope that horse seizures continue to decease for the betterment of local authorities budgets and the welfare of equines in Ireland”.