A Garda Inspector involved in the operation revealed that many of the animals were so badly neglected they were “a sight to behold”.

News of the appalling attrition rate amongst the seized horses has prompted gardaí and city councillors to seek the setting up of a special centre where people can learn to care for the animals properly.

They also plan to introduce bylaws which will prohibit what has become impromptu grazing of horses in certain city and suburban areas.

Inspector Gary McPolin, based at Gurranabraher Garda Station, said officers from his area, accompanied by Department of Agriculture officials and a private security company which operates a pound, carried out a raid (Operation Capall) on the north-western side of the city on November 19 last which resulted in the seizure of the horses.

“I’m sad to say the majority of them had to be put down,” he told a meeting of the Cork City Joint Policing Committee yesterday.

A large number of the houses were severely malnourished while others had severe problems with overgrown hooves.

In addition many owners also refused to pay fees to retrieve them from the pound. All of these factors resulted in the high numbers put to sleep.

Inspector McPolin said there was still an “ongoing issue in Nash’s Boreen” where some transient members of the Traveller Community were leaving horses to graze without proper supervision or care.

“We seized two more (horses) last week. It’s still a serious issue in the Mallow Rd and Blarney areas. Stray horses pose a serious danger to road users,” he added.

Cllr Joe Kavanagh (FG) told the meeting that Mayfield Utd recently had to postpone an important soccer match against UCC because 14 horses got onto their pitch and did a lot of damage to it.

Cllr Chris O’Leary (SF) said it was time to start a project, similar to a successful one in Tralee, where young Travellers were encouraged to care for horses, adding there were EU grants available for such initiatives. “No animal should end up in a slaughter houses (because of neglect),” he added.

Chief Superintendent Michael Finn, who is in charge of policing the city, said stray horses were causing significant problems in many areas.

“I would welcome such a project. But we have to be careful where we do it,” he said.

He said a suitable site would have to be secure to ensure horses didn’t escape and present a danger to the local community.

“Some control areas (where horses are allowed to graze) will also have to be put in place under bylaws. Also, we can’t allow sulky racing in the middle of an estate,” he said.