Local authorities do not have the sufficient professional and technical resources to deal with the increasing incidence of horse welfare issues, an Oireachtas committee has heard. Paddy Mahon of the CCMA, which is the representative body of local authorities, said the issue of stray and unwanted horses has become “particularly pronounced in the post-Celtic Tiger period”. Problems associated with seizing horses “are not declining”. “Most local authorities use contractors for the purposes of seizing horses and providing pound facilities. Even when the authorities are notified, it is “well after the event” which impacts on the ability to effectively investigate, he said.

Source: The Irish Times June 18, 2019 18:45 UTC