Clare Daly
Ceist:
227. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to an incident reported to An Garda Síochána (details supplied); the action he would recommend; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20674/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra
I have requested a report from the Garda authorities on this matter and I will contact the Deputy directly when the report is to hand.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 227 of 14 May 2019 in relation to allegations of sulky racing and animal cruelty between Killurney School and Fethard, Co. Tipperary.
As the Deputy will recall, I undertook to contact her again once the information from An Garda Síochána was to hand.
I am now advised by the Garda authorities, that Gardaí in Clonmel received a call on Thursday 18th April 2019, stating that there had been sulky racing on the road between Fethard and Kilsheelan. Gardaí performed a methodical search of the area and interviewed available witnesses.
I am further advised that a second report was received in relation to an injured pony along the same route and Gardaí conducted a search along the roadways with negative results.
I understand that investigating Gardaí spoke with the person who had reported the matter who advised that she had been informed by another person there had been sulky racing out of Fethard and that a pony had been observed in an injured state. The caller stated that she was concerned regarding ongoing mistreatment of horses in the Clonmel area. A PULSE incident was created to reflect the incident.
I am assured that An Garda Síochána considers the mal-treatment of animals as a serious incident and will fully investigate any complaints received.
I hope this information is of assistance.
