Ireland is in the midst of an equine crisis, fuelled by reckless breeding, falling prices and rising costs for keeping horses, the Dublin SPCA says.
 A pony abandoned among dumped rubbish. |
It painted a grim picture of neglect and ill treatment for hundreds of horses and said its resources were stretched in dealing with the mounting problem.
The Dublin SPCA said it and other animal welfare groups around Ireland were dealing with a major increase in horse, pony and donkey cruelty and neglect cases.
It described the situation as an equine crisis, saying several factors had combined to cause horses to suffer.
Reckless breeding during years of economic prosperity had caused Ireland to be inundated with unwanted equines, it said. Feed costs had risen while the value of equines had fallen.
"Markets like the one in Smithfield means anyone can easily buy equine for as cheap at €8, irrespective of a person's lack of resources and knowledge of equine care," it said.
Smithfield Market is unlicensed, unregulated, and completely unsuitable for horses, it said, adding that it had worked to shut down such markets for years.
"Legislation is clear: every equine needs to have a passport and microchip which forces accountability and traceability, but without sufficient resources put in place to enforce the legislation, more and more horses are being neglected and abandoned."
The SPCA said it had seen three different categories of horse treatment in the crisis, which it fears will worsen in the winter months.
"We are seeing hundreds of equine left in fields, parks and waste ground around Dublin and the equines kept in horrific conditions by owners who don't care about the needs of the animals.
"In many cases horses have been abandoned by owners who can no longer afford to look after them.
"These animals are starving, have no fresh water, are injured or sick, are lame due to leg and hoof injuries and left in fields and waste ground in unsafe conditions.
Every day, the Dublin SPCA is dealing with heart-wrenching rescue operations for abused and neglected horses and ponies.
"In the last 12 months we have encountered equines dying in horrific pain and numerous dead horses decomposing all round Dublin. Some dying and dead horses have been simply dumped by their owners, dragged from trailers or horse boxes and left so that the owner won't have to deal with veterinary costs or the risk of prosecution.
"We have even seen cases of horses being attacked and eaten by dogs, with the horses lying for days in agony ignored by their owners. These horses are not microchipped or registered so owners cannot be prosecuted for their wanton and cruel neglect."
The SPCA said it had also seen a disturbing rise in cases of intentional cruelty.
"Horses and ponies have been deliberately hurt and killed by people. Animals have been beaten and injured. In one instance, a pony was run over by a car. The car then reversed back to ensure they inflicted as much damage and pain as possible.
"In another case a dying horse was abandoned by six men and covered in hay and left to die. Youths were later seen setting the hay and horse on fire. Easy access to these gentle animals makes it effortless for disturbed individuals to victimise them."
The third form of neglect it had noted was due to a lack of understanding of equine care.
Such owners were not providing shelter for their animals as they don't own the land and are not permitted to erect stables or shelters.
"The owners don't know enough about medical treatment of these animals, like vaccinations, hoof care, worming treatments, diseases, etc or can't afford them. Horses are not being fed correctly and do not have access to fresh water. Owners don't know about horses needing extra feed, water or shelter in winter.
"Horses are being tied up using ropes, chains or ill-fitting harnesses and bridles. Most often, the areas that the animals are being kept in are not secure or safe for the horses or members of the public.
"In a lot of cases these owners are horse lovers and they don't mean to harm the animals but they don't have the knowledge and resources to look after them and in turn the animals suffer."
The SPCA said every horse it took in costs an average of €3000 to treat and its finances were stretched to the limit.
"Our shelter is full and our staff are overwhelmed. In 2009 we built extra stables, but it is not enough to help these beautiful creatures. We are working flat out to deal with the calls that are coming in from concerned members of the public about horses and ponies who have been left to die in fields, waste ground, lots and the side of the road.
"It is only a matter of time before members of the public are hurt by animals wandering in front of cars or other types of accidents."
It said its staff were working with councils, government and the police to try to deal with the situation, and its education officer was working with communities and schools to educate school children on equine care and the financial responsibilities of owning a horse or pony.
It said its resources were limited and it needed financial help to continue its work.
Facebook
Twitter
HOME SITES 
