CITY COUNCIL DEFENDS ACTION ON ROAMING HORSES

Date Published: 15-May-2012

Galway City Council says it’s doing everything in its power to control wandering horses across Galway.

Several councillors claim current legislation used by city officials does not go far enough to control the problem.

20 horses have been impounded so far this year, while up to 100 were impounded last year at an estimated cost of 100 thousand euro.

At a recent meeting of the Environment SPC it was agreed that the ‘animals Act 1985’ was sufficient to deal with the control of animals.

However, at last evenings council meeting, Councillor Frank Fahy said the fact that the committee had decided to stick with the current status quo was ‘ludicrous’.

Councillor Terry O’ Flaherty added that updated legislation-the 96 control of horses act should be introduced, and that chipping animals should be seriously considered.

Councillor Catherine Connolly said that while they can’t have horses roaming in green areas, imposing a new act would impose a new layer of beuracracy and city council simply did not have the staff.

Councillor Donal Lyons said that the council had to get real and not introduce new measures if they couldn’t be implemented.

Speaking on Galway Talks- Kevin Swift says the real problem is cost, and some horse owners simply don’t have the money to deal with the matter.

The issue is expected to be raised at future meetings of Galway city council.