ISPCA calls for public vigilance on horses

An ISPCA inspector has described as “heart-wrenching" the need to put down a young gelding on the Northside of the city recently.

Lisa O’Donovan, an Inspector with the ISPCA, described how they responded to a call in the last month to the Banduff Road, just beyond Mayfield, where the animal was found to be struggling psychologically and physically.

“There was definitely something seriously wrong with the animal. Any time we tried to get it onto its feet it staggered and stumbled and would come crashing down. It was clear that there there was something seriously wrong.”

“We didn’t have the luxury of blood tests to determine what was as we couldn’t even get him into the horse box for transportation. We got there at lunchtime and it was clear he had been there since the night before.”

Lisa described how the owners of these types of horses tend to simply discard the creatures when they suffer an injury and move on. Any attempts to find the owners would prove too difficult, as the horse wasn’t microchipped, despite the mandatory law regarding these animals.

“The law simply isn’t being enforced in this matter as many of these animals are not microchipped.”

Despite a mild winter, Lisa has called on the public to be more vigilant for animals in distress and to contact the ISPCA when they do see them.

Problem

Meanwhile local Councillor John Kelleher admitted that the issue of horses is a problem that occurs in parts of the city.

“Six months ago the Gardaí had to round up six horses on the road in Ballyvolane and they were brought to the pound. I know that in other parts of the country they charge quite a bit to release the animals to the owners. I’m not sure how much we are charging in Cork but maybe that’s one way to keep them under control.”

The Labour councillor also expressed concern regarding teenagers travelling on main roads in sulky carts towed by horses.

“They really are belting along at night which is highly dangerous. It’s causing a terrible danger to other motorists and pedestrians.”

 “I know road deaths are down but we need to be vigilant about this sort of issue, which can contribute to it.”

Cllr Kelleher was quick to pay tribute to the Gardaí for the work they are doing on the issue.

“The work they carry out is a great improvement on the past. They really are involved in the community now which a fantastic thing to see” said the Mayfield councillor.