Dáil debates

Thursday, 11 October 2018

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions

Control of Horses

11:10 am

Photo of Maureen O'SullivanMaureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

First, will the Department have the conversation with local authorities about the need for a local horse warden? That could pre-empt some of the problems that we see. Second, there are hundreds of horses in the Dublin City Council area. Each should have a chip and a passport and those in the controlled area should have a licence. The council only issued 15 licences. It is something that should be looked at. I acknowledge the work of the Clondalkin Equine Club. Third, when there is a fodder crisis, is there a contingency plan for the animal welfare groups who are trying to feed animals that have suffered neglect?

Under the Horse Racing Ireland Act 2016, if a horse is found to have been doped, it is banned. I am sure that something would also happen the owner, but will the Minister clarify what happens to the horse? That is another issue we must look at.

Finally, if the Minister will not go along with the idea of a horse warden, what is the alternative? He says this policy working but there are graphic examples where it is not. A pilot scheme in some of the black spots could add to what the Department is doing and make a difference.

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