DSPCA raises concerns over horse welfare

THE Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) has warned people who may have received ponies as Christmas presents to be aware of their legal responsibilities.

The warning was issued after the society received a dozen calls from concerned residents regarding ponies left in

“unacceptable urban locations

? within the first five days of the New Year.
The society said that while the animals they have examined so far were in reasonable condition, they reiterated that they should not be kept in unsuitable accommodation.

“Many people have bought ponies this Christmas and may not be aware that it is illegal and unsafe to tie any horse/pony up in a field or leave it to fend for itself,

? education officer Gillian Bird said.

“If you own a horse you must have a horse passport and it can only be kept on land registered as an

‘Equine Premises’.

“Owners need to be kept informed and this information is available on the South Dublin County Council website.

?

While the calls came from areas across the city, the society revealed that several from the Southside citing concerns regarding horses in Tallaght, opposite the Jobstown Inn and in Clondalkin, at the St Ronan’s and Shancastle estates,

“to mention a few

?.

“There is one case of a horse we are trying to find at the Forestry Park, near the Lead Mines on the Dublin side of the Scalp at Enniskerry,

? Ms Bird added.

“The inspectors are finding that the majority of equines are Shetland ponies or small breeds that have been tied up on playing fields, left in front gardens or generally left to fend for themselves.

“We would like to remind horse owners that they have a legal responsibility to care for their animals and to ensure that they are placed on land both suitable and legally registered as an Equine Premises.

?

The DSPCA is currently providing subsidised microchipping and castration of male horses under a

‘Snip n’ Chip’ campaign.

The

?¬100 cost to the owner includes implanting the microchip , and passporting and registering the owner’s details on the Horse Sport Ireland database together with the castration of the animal.

Full details of this scheme are available on the society’s website at www.dspca.ie

“If you have concerns about any horse or pony or any other animal please report it through the DSPCA online Cruelty Report Form at www.dspca.ie or leave a message on 01 4994727,

? Ms Bird added.