by Alan Jacques
CITY Manager Conn Murray has told Limerick City Council that a new director will be assigned in 2014 to tackle the ongoing issue of stray and abandoned horses in the city.
Speaking at the annual budget meeting, Mr Murray also told councillors that the control of horses was a “very significant area”, which would be addressed in the new year.
The city council spends more than any other local authority on dealing with stray and abandoned horses. Unwanted horses cost the Council €307,000 in 2012 and €361,000 the previous year. These costs include the impounding of animals and their disposal if unclaimed.
Cllr Maurice Quinlivan (SF) has called for a serious discussion on the control of horses, which he said is costing the city more each year and his comments were reiterated by Cllr John Gilligan (Ind).
Meanwhile, Cllr Tom Shortt (Lab) said the control of horses was a “difficult subject” that needed “fresh thinking” rather than “enforcement”.
