asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to the widespread problems, particularly in the Finglas area, Dublin 11, of teenagers abusing horses; and if he will initiate a special round-up of all such animals and introduce effective legislation to ensure that the ownership of such animals is vested in responsible adults with adequate facilities to look after them.
Written Answers. - Cruelty to Horses.
68.
The Garda authorities have informed me that over the past year in the Finglas area there have been three successful prosecutions for cruelty to horses. A further prosecution is pending and three other reported cases of cruelty are still under investigation.
Horses wandering in public places are a separate, though sometimes related, problem. Under the Animals Act, 1985, a member of the Garda Síochána or any local authority may impound any animal found wandering on a public road or in any public place. I am informed by the Garda authorities that having regard to the resources at their disposal, they are taking, and will continue to take, all practicable steps, including where appropriate rounding up and impounding stray horses, to bring about an improvement in the positions. I understand that in fact such "round ups" take place in the Finglas area on a fairly regular basis.
I have no function with regard to preparation of legislation regarding ownership of horses.