980 UNWANTED HORSES ARE PUT TO SLEEP
MORE than 80% of seized horses by local authorities have been euthanised.
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine figures show it has spent €635,321 this year covering council costs of seizing around 1,100 abandoned and unwanted animals.
The latest statistics show 1,185 horses were seized this year and 980 of these were put down. The remaining 205 were either reclaimed or re-homed.
An official spokesman said: “While every effort is made to support re-homing, it remains a challenge because of the costs for prospective new owners.
“We continue to work with all those involved with protecting animal welfare [including local authorities] and anyone with concerns about horse welfare should report those concerns to the department’s helpline by calling 0761 064408 or email animalwelfare@agriculture.
Meanwhile, the Irish Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals spokeswoman Carmel Murray said they were also experiencing high levels of calls concerning the welfare of horses and donkeys. She added: “This year the ISPCA received 1,078 calls made to the National Animal Cruelty Helpline by members of the public relating to equines.
“This figure is similar to the same period in 2015.”
Currently the ISPCA has 81 equines in their care between both of their centres in counties Longford and Cork.