Animal with half a leg missing found in Moyross
NINETY-EIGHT illegally held horses-triple the number in 2009- were seized by City Council during the first six months of this year.
Upwards of €88,700 was paid to a private company on the seizure of wandering horses.
While Limerick northside had the highest number, the problem is also prevalent in O’Malley Park, Rhebogue, Ballynanty, Corbally, Janesboro, St Mary’s Park, Barry’s Field, Longpavement, Coonagh Roundabout, Carew Park and the Old Cork Road.
“Returning here to the council chamber years on, I find we have the same problem with the horse issue – during my time as a councillor I never saw or heard of anyone having a licence for a horse,” commented former city councillor John Griffin.
Admitting that he has mixed views on the issue,” Cllr John Gilligan said
“I come from an area which has always had horses – some people there buy their children a horse rather than a puppy.
“We, as a council, have to make a decision – do we have them on housing estates and in private houses in the city or not, and bear in mind our own employees were frequently threatened by owners when they went out to collect illegally held horses”.
Cllr Tom Shortt is of the opinion that the council’s Control of Horses programme is not working satisfactorily, and that people are unhappy about the abuse of and cruelty to horses. in the city.
Pointing out that the 98 horses rounded up so far this year is triple that of last year, Cllr Maurice Quinlivan, who last year succeeded in getting the city council to hold an amnesty, said that he hoped to organise another amnesty for September, “before it becomes too cold.
“This week, there was a horse in Moyross with half a leg missing – the council worked quickly to relieve the animal
Senior executive officer, Paul Foley, pointed out that the cost involved in the control of horses was significant.
“This year no licences were issued so no one is entitled to own a horse in the city. There are risks to the safety of the animals and people, as wandering animals can get on to roads and pose risks to motorists and to themselves.
“We are open to look at holding another amnesty,” he said.
Cllr Kathleen Leddin urged that the issue be considered immediately and “not in a couple of months”.
However, people will not hand in their horses before the winter, claimed Cllr Orla McLoughlin, adding it might be better to hold the amnesty in the Winter months.
