LIMERICK Sinn Féin TD Maurice Quinlivan criticised the Department of Agriculture for failing to enforce equine legislation.
Deputy Quinlivan made the comments following confirmation from Limerick Council that the local authority seized 536 horses over a five-year period. And while he welcomed this level of seizure, he believes it underscores the “failure” of the Department of Agriculture to enforce equine legislation, including the Control of Horses Act.
“All equines are required to be chipped, but this requirement is not being enforced by the Department of Agriculture. Limerick Council have confirmed that when they impound horses, they ensure that they are microchipped to ensure traceability,” Deputy Quinlivan explained.
“The equine legislation requires that all horses are microchipped, have land to graze on, and are kept in a safe environment. However, if you drive around Limerick, you will see these animals grazing on public land, ruining public green spaces and, on occasion, being stabled on derelict Council property.”
He said that “in one day in February last, I counted 50 horses grazing in urban areas in the city in the space of half an hour. It is apparent that there has been no reduction in the number of horses occupying public land across the city.”
“While I am confident that many of those who keep horses treat those animals well, there remain far too many owners who neglect the animals, and these irresponsible owners should be facing the full rigours of equine legislation. Unfortunately, this simply is not happening.”
The Sinn Féin Deputy added seizing abandoned animals can be challenging and costly for local councils.
“Seizure operations involve co-ordination with the Gardaí and involve the Council privately contracting a 24-hour pound service that seize the horses on the Council’s behalf. These seized animals have then to be kept in the pound for five days and receive a veterinary examination.”
Deputy Quinlivan welcomed ongoing review of the Control of Horses Act by Government, saying that the Agriculture Minister “confirmed that the Control of Horses Act is under review, with replacement legislation at an advanced stage”. He, added, however, that reviews “must lead to a more robust response to the issue of mistreated and wandering horses”.
“The 536 animals seized by the Council in the last five years were either neglected or were on private property without permission.
“While some good work has been done, it is important that a focus remains on those owners who are negligent and flout the laws regarding horse ownership and often mistreat their horses. Their behaviour does immense damage to those who properly maintain their animals, who engage in urban horse projects, and are responsible horse owners.”
In response, a spokesperson for the Department Agriculture said that it takes the matter of animal welfare most seriously.
The spokesperson said that equine welfare is protected by legislation and the Government is working to build on existing supports nationwide, while recognising that the primary responsibility for the animals lays on their owners.
“The Department provides funding to local authorities as a contribution towards the costs incurred by them in operation of the Control of Horses Act, 1996,” the Department spokesperson said.
“The Department also provides support to a number of urban horse projects nationwide. The projects provide education in responsible horse ownership in disadvantaged communities. From 2015 to date over €2million has been spent on urban horse projects by the Department, with €170,000 allocated for these projects for 2026.”
In December 2025, the Department provided funding of almost €6.5million to 94 animal welfare charities throughout the country, under the Animal Welfare Grants programme. Of that figure, just over €4 million was awarded to charities involved in the care and welfare of horses, the spokesperson explained.
If members of the public are aware of suspected abuse or neglect, they can contact the Department’s animal welfare helpline on 01 607 2379 or by email at [email protected].
– Local Democracy Reporting Scheme