by Alan Jacques
THE ISPCA are still appealing for information after the evil shooting of three horses in County Limerick last week.
Last Friday, ISPCA inspector Lisa O’Donovan responded to an urgent call in Glenanaar, Ardpatrick, Kilmallock, where she encountered a horrific scene.
On her arrival there was a dead horse lying on the side of the road and another mare running loose in a frantic state. A third mare was discovered in a nearby field, unable to stand and bleeding profusely from a wound on her side.
She also aborted the foal that she was carrying.
A veterinary surgeon was immediately called but the wounded mare died from her injuries. The uninjured but traumatised horse was secured and taken away from the scene of the shooting.
A veterinary examination revealed that both dead animals had been shot, both suffering a single gunshot wound to their right flank.
“This is a horrendous situation,” commented Inspector O’Donovan, “it was horrific to find the pregnant mare in such distress and fighting for life. We can now confirm that she was six months pregnant. It is unimaginable to consider what she had gone through in this remote setting.
“Thankfully the mare that we removed is safe in our care and getting the best possible attention,” she said.
“Unfortunately there has been no information regarding the incident. It’s very misfortunate and we did a very intensive coverage. We are continually hopeful that someone in the area may be forthcoming.”
The ISPCA’s chief inspector Conor Dowling added, “At this point in time we do not know how the horses came to be in this position. None are identifiable as they were not microchipped. Whatever the circumstances, these animals endured the most terrible suffering.”
Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney condemned the attack.
“I’m disgusted, we’ll do everything possible to take tough action. I’m appealing to anyone with information to please come forward,” he tweeted.
The ISPCA have appealed to anyone with any information to contact the national animal cruelty helpline on 1890 515 515 or Killmallock Garda Station.
