‘No proof horse abandoned by Travellers’

The Traveller Visibility Group (TVG) has said it cannot be determined whether or not individuals from the Traveller community were involved in the incident which left a horse dead in an estate on Dublin Hill.

Hawthorn Mews estate residents were left shocked, horrified and appalled by the abandonment of a horse that died while being driven with a sulky harness.

Thousands of people have shared a Facebook post about the incident that has reached over 370,000 people. The post has also gathered over 700 comments from people outraged by the behaviour of the sulky drivers who abandoned the animal that subsequently died.

Mayfield Gardai have said they are investigating all the circumstances surrounding the incident, which occurred at 5pm on Tuesday, March 27.

In relation to the matter, the TVG released a statement stating they were “very sorry” to hear of the state that the animal was left in which lead to its death.

“As an organisation, we work to support and promote the welfare of all animals and do not condone mistreatment of animals in any circumstances.” With regards identifying the culprits responsible for driving the horse to its death, spokesperson for the group Ciara Ridge said: “It is unfortunate to learn that in this situation the owner of the animal cannot be determined because the animal was not microchipped. This means that in turn the owner cannot be prosecuted and a risk that an incident like this is likely to reoccur.

“It is important to note that as the owner of the animal cannot be determined we cannot assume that it was necessarily a Traveller horse owner that is responsible for this incident.

“There are many people from both the settled and Traveller communities who keep horses on the Northside of Cork city. In both communities, some keep their animals well and others do not.

“TVG works with many Traveller horse owners across Cork city who maintain their animals well. We also work closely with equine professionals who often report that most welfare incidents that occur are not always at the hands of Travellers.” Ms Ridge also called for facilities to be made available for sulky sports so that the welfare of horses is better controlled.

“TVG would advocate that they be better supported by the state, facilitated in safe and adequate environments with applicable fees and that the welfare of animals is promoted on all levels.

“If there continue to be no facilities to support such sports then it is likely that they will continue to be problematic within the community as a whole.”