Over 1,000 horses will 'starve to death' this winter
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THE horse industry was told to "open their eyes" yesterday to a looming crisis because of over breeding during the Celtic Tiger era.
An animal welfare charity warned that more than 1,000 horses will starve to death this winter as the downturn takes its toll on the equine business.
Dublin SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) said that more than 31 animals have been put down so far this year due to cruelty and neglect.
The group called for action as more than 1,400 of the country's prime stock turned out for the Dublin Horse Show.
Warning on the plight of neglected equines, Jimmy Cahill, general manager of Dublin DSPCA, pointed out: "These horses are the innocent victims of the Celtic Tiger years, when everyone owned the leg of a racehorse and there was plenty of money to care for them.
"We are calling on Government and the various racing bodies to address this crisis," said Mr Cahill, who urged an embargo on breeding until the problem was resolved.
The governing body for equestrian sport, Horse Sport Ireland, has launched a new information booklet for horse owners. 'A Guide To Horse Welfare and Responsible Horse Ownership' highlights the boom in horse numbers over the past 10 years. "The increased production coupled with current severe economic difficulties has led to an imbalance between supply and demand," it states.
Horse Sport Ireland's director of breeding Alison Corbally said: "A lot of new people have become involved in horses in recent years and some may not have an equine background, and it's important that we provide as much information as possible".
She also pointed out that all horses will now have to have individual passports within six months of their birth.
Welfare
"Almost all horses in the country are cared for in an outstanding way. But we must keep horse welfare at the top of the agenda at all times," she said.
Mr Cahill claimed the strong equine legislation was not being enforced.
"Horses are rotting to a slow painful death in fields around our country and this situation is set to deteriorate," he warned.
Meanwhile, officials of the Revenue Commissioners were also prowling around the Horse Show trade stands in a bid to boost the beleaguered Exchequer's tax take.
A Revenue spokeswoman confirmed they were checking traders for VAT compliance.
- Louise Hogan
