The Government needs to clamp down on sulky racing, and gardaí need to go after cruel horse owners, following "persistent neglect of animals in urban areas", the Seanad has heard. Senator Chris Andrews said it is particularly prevalent in Dublin among horse owners who claim to love their animals. He pointed to the recent “horrific” death of a pregnant horse after sulky races — which are currently illegal on public roads — on both the Dollymount Strand and at a stretch near the N4 in Ballyfermot. Witnesses claim the horse was repeatedly kicked to get her to get up off the ground when she stumbled and fell during one of the sulky races. The horse, named Anne by University College Dublin (UCD) vets who treated her, later died from her injuries, as did her unborn foal.

Source: Irish Examiner February 20, 2026 07:10 UTC