Undocumented horses causing animal welfare issues in county

The issue of undocumented horses roaming the rural roads and estates across Galway city and council has to be addressed.

Abandoned horses have caused problems in city estates as well as on the Headford Road out of Galway. Some horses, with little value attached to them, have been killed and dumped in drains in various parts of the county.

It has now been suggested that the Department of Agriculture address the number of undocumented horses that there are in County Galway. Horses without proper documentation cannot be slaughtered or exported – despite the fact that many owners cannot afford to feed them.

Galway East TD Paul Connaughton jnr who said that the matter had now raised animal welfare issues. It was particularly relevant as the autumn and winter approached, he said.

Some horses, which have no resale value, have been turned out onto the roads where they feed off the grass of ditches but can cause a lethal problem for motorists.

The Fine Gael TD said that it was now time to tackle the issue of undocumented horses as it had the potential to result in an animal welfare crisis over the coming months.

“There are 25,000 horses in the state at the moment without the proper documentation, which means that they cannot be slaughtered or exported and many horse owners cannot afford to feed them.

“If this issue is not properly addressed and resolved, state funds will have to be expended via County Councils in animal welfare payments for these horses.

“I have met with the Minister and Department officials about this issue and will be raising this issue with them again in coming weeks and will continue to work with horse owners in an effort to get this resolved.

“I have highlighted the fact that many horse owners won’t be able to feed their animals through the winter and now is the time for action on this issue.

“The issue of undocumented horses and abandoned horses has caused problems in the past for many county councils, including Galway County Council.

“I believe that a speedy resolution to this issue is crucial in terms of animal welfare issues and will also save time and money for county councils across the country by avoiding the animal welfare issues that will surely arise this winter if this issue is not addressed”, Deputy Connaughton added.