Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On the issue of the legislative framework dealing with equines, where there are cases of abuse and cruelty, the 2013 legislation is available and we take action under that. Where horses stray onto public grounds and are abandoned or maltreated, it is, in the first instance, the function of the local authority, under the Control of Horses Act, to move in those circumstances. I appreciate there have been a number of high profile incidents, which have been subject of particular comment on social media, and which has been used as a reference point to point to the fact that nothing is being done, but that is not the case. I would like to see more activity from local authorities where the issue of horses, which have been either abandoned or abused, straying onto public grounds arises. Local authorities have powers under that legislation to act. My Department takes all appropriate action under the 2013 legislation where abuse issues occur in private ownership.

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