55 horses put down last year

FIFTY-FIVE horses were put down in County Wicklow last year after they were impounded by Wicklow County Council, according to a local TD.

Deputy John Brady expressed his concerns over the number of horses put down by Wicklow County Council last year.

He said: ‘In 2016, there were 65 horses impounded by Wicklow County Council throughout the county.

‘Out of these, two were reclaimed by their owners, eight were rehomed and the remaining 55 were euthanized.

‘ The fact that within one year, 55 horses were euthanized is alarming. It is clear that efforts need to be made to put a greater emphasis on rehousing animals.

Deputy Brady said he has called on Wicklow County Council to produce proper protocols when it comes to animal welfare, with a specific horse welfare programme put in place. He hoped that this would also include an educational dimension.

‘ The Control of Horses needs to be taken over by the Department of Agriculture, it’s crazy that it’s seen as a housing function. I will be following this up directly with the Minister. Wicklow County Council needs to ensure that every effort is made at trying to rehome impounded horses, this includes strengthening relationship with animal welfare groups such as the Irish Horse Welfare Trust.’