Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)

The reason the number of horses that were collected is down is that they are simply not being collected. The problem is just being ignored and let go. I appreciate the Minister of State's response but on the ground, the reality is this continues to be an issue, predominantly in working class estates. I have absolutely no doubt that if these horses were tied to a lamppost and destroying green areas in more affluent areas of our city, the State would, rightly, not tolerate it, intervene and do its job. It is not doing it in the working class areas. Why must those who live in working class communities have to endure what would not be tolerated anywhere else? It is simply not good enough anymore.

While the keeping of ponies and horses remains a tradition in many parts of Limerick, a tradition passed through the generations, unfortunately we cannot ignore that there are others who treat these animals with a lack of compassion and with cruelty. This type of mistreatment has been allowed to continue for years without robust State intervention. It is shameful.

The critical issue here is enforcement of the law; enforcement of animal welfare laws included. We need to see a deterrent from the misuse of animals in urban areas. We need to offer more support to animal welfare groups. I am constantly contacted by groups such as Limerick Animal Welfare and My Lovely Horse project which do tremendous work but they are overwhelmed by the sheer number of calls they get and often there is little I can do to help them.

I agree the local councils have an important role to play but the lead must come from the Department of agriculture. If the approach to enforcement by the Department laissez faire, it follows councils will not treat this matter with the emphasis and urgency it requires. If we enforce our existing laws, showing this behaviour will not be tolerated, we can protect these animals and improve our communities. We can give public spaces back to children. We can have clean footpaths and return pride to our communities. If we went as far as ensuring illegally parked horse boxes are removed and destroyed, it would show that those who ignore the law and those infractions will be punished.

We can enhance our communities. Those good horse owners I referenced would have nothing to fear from legislation being enforced. I know many horse owners treat their ponies with care and compassion but the thuggish behaviour of a few impacts the reputation of all horse owners. It is time we stepped up and acted. There can be no tolerance for this abuse and anti-community behaviour cannot be tolerated.

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