The problem of wandering horses has not been tackled. It should have been tackled many years ago by successive administrations. Suburbs of Cork city such as Ballyvolane, Hollyhill and Bishopstown have been devastated by wandering horses owned by itinerants who camp in the area. The problem in Cork is similar to that in most cities and towns around the country. Parents are sometimes afraid to send their childen to school because of the danger from horses racing around the streets. Much lip-service has been given to the question of the control of wandering animals. I will deal specifically with horses tonight, but wandering donkeys and cattle cause problems. The problem of wandering horses must be tackled especially in view of the recent appalling accident in Cork involving a truck which, I understand, swerved to avoid a wandering horse and hit a car. The accident resulted in the death of one man and another is critically ill in hospital in Cork. This accident brought home to us all the need to introduce legislation as quickly as possible to deal with the problem.
Unfortunately, when gardaí went to investigate this accident, the owner of the horse had disappeared. The Minister has a responbility to introduce legislation to deal with this problem. It is ridiculous that while one needs a licence to own a dog no licence is required to own a horse. I ask the Minister to include in legislation provision for the licensing and tagging of all horses and the registration of all owners, with a requirement, that the authorities be notified of change of ownership. That is the minimum that is required.
Another aspect of this is cruelty to animals. If I had more time I would deal with this issue which also needs to be addressed. There is an abundance of evidence of extreme cruelty to horses, donkeys and other animals. This is highlighted from time to time but nothing is done about it. If the Minister does not introduce legislation to deal with it quickly I intend to introduce a Bill to do so. I ask the Minister to do something before more lives are lost and further property is damaged.