Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 5

Written Answers. - Garda Operations.

Ulick Burke

Question:

301 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will have the owner of two horses (details supplied) informed by the Garda authorities of the location the horses were sent to on 23 March 1999, having been removed from lands at Roxboro Castledaly, Loughrea, County Galway; the method of removal from the area; the transport used in this regard; the place and premises or facility to which they were delivered; the owner of the premises; the nature of business or activity carried out there; if the records of the final stop for these animals exist; the nature of compensation to be provided to the answer. [14365/00]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue):

I am informed by the Garda authorities that on 23 March 1999, as a result of a complaint to Gort Garda station, gardaí found three horses wandering on the public road at Kilchreest. The gardaí were of the view that the horses were a danger to the health and safety of road users and in accordance with section 37 of the Control of Horses Act, 1996, the horses were seized by the gardaí. I am further informed by the Garda authorities that the horses were removed by a contractor employed by Galway County Council to a private horse pound.

I understand that two solicitors' firms acting on behalf of the person referred to by the Deputy have been informed in writing by the superintendent, Gort of the details concerning their seizure.