asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to the serious and potentially dangerous situation brought about due to unattended horses roaming in the Ballyfermot, Chapelizod and Palmerstown areas of County Dublin and if he will amend existing legislation to ensure that this problem can be dealt with effectively.
Written Answers. - Trespassing Animals.
104.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that they are aware of the problem referred to by the Deputy and that, having regard to the resources at their disposal, they are taking and will continue to take all practicable steps to bring about an improvement in the position. In this connection I am informed that since 1 January, this year approximately 200 horses found wandering in the areas in question have been impounded.
The law relating to the impounding of wandering and trespassing animals was amended as recently as 1985 and I have no plans at present for a further amendment of the legislation.