Following on from our discussion of horse welfare last week, it is encouraging to note there is a downward trend in the seizure and euthanasia of equines by local authorities. Also, according to recent figures released by the Department of Agriculture, the numbers of unwanted horses being slaughtered for meat has dropped in recent years.

Under the Control of Horses Act 1996, powers to seize abandoned or stray horses was devolved to local authorities around the country. They were also given powers to make bylaws on the licensing of the places where horses can be kept. This Act has since been upgraded to include provisions for the registration, microchipping and identification of horses which strengthen the ability of the authorities to deal with stray or abandoned animals.

Falling numbers

In 2016 the number of equines seized and euthanized by county councils reached almost 1,800. Thankfully, that figure dropped back to nearer the 900 mark in 2018.

This is a considerable improvement and one can only hope that the trend will continue in the years ahead.

In relation to the slaughter of unwanted horses for export and human consumption on the continent the story is equally positive. In the years following the economic crash, over 20,000 equines were exported from Ireland for slaughter annually.

Figures from more recent years show a considerable reduction. In 2016 and 2017 it stood at just under 8,000. Last year it was down to 6,573. There may be many factors at play here but chief among them has to be the decision by breeders to cut back on production during those lean times following 2008.

Ministerial response

Both in answering Dáil questions and responding to demands for further funding for the sport horse sector, Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine Michael Creed has constantly referenced his concerns about horse welfare. Hence in their submissions for funding the new board of Horse Sport Ireland should both emphasise the reductions that have taken place along with its commitment to assisting with the maintenance of that trend into the future.

It is my belief that through a co-operative effort by Horse Sport Ireland and Horse Racing Ireland a one-shop reporting system should be put in place. A confidential phone number would help make it easier to bring cases of abuse or neglect to the attention of the relevant authorities at either county or national level.

Another number that could well be used is the Department of Agriculture's animal identification and movement division in Celbridge, CoKildare 01-505 8881.