LIMERICK City and County Council has received a total of 25 complaints regarding horse cruelty from 2024 to date, councillors were informed at the Metropolitan District monthly meeting for April.
In response to a question from Aontú councillor Sarah Beasley, the Council revealed that four complaints were received in 2024, 11 in 2025, and 10 to date in 2026.
The Council explained that it does not have an authorised officer appointed under the Animal Health and Welfare Act.
“As a result, we do not have the authority to enforce the provisions of the Act. Responsibility for implementing the Act lies primarily with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
All animal welfare cases received by the Council are therefore referred to the Department,” said Senior Engineer Aidan Finn.