The Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine will meet this evening to discuss horse welfare concerns and compliance with legislation with representatives from the County and City Managers Association (CCMA).
The committee is chaired by Deputy Jackie Cahill. The Thurles based TD says “The welfare and trespass of horses are becoming major issues.” Trespass on public roads is a growing road safety issue. There have been several incidents in recent months with loose horses on public roads, and if this is not addressed, there is concern that this issue will cause fatalities according to Deputy Cahill.
The committee is to examine the implementation and enforcement of existing animal welfare laws and recommendations for updating and strengthening the legislative framework, including the Control of Horses Act 1996. Local authorities are responsible for the seizure, detention, impoundment, notice and disposal of stray horses under the legislation. The meeting will commence at 7pm this evening and can be viewed on the Oireachtas website.
