THE call went out for An Garda Síochána to actively enforce existing legislation around the illegal racing of sulkies on public roads across Limerick city and county.
Speaking at the recent full meeting of Limerick Council, Aontú councillor Sarah Beasley proposed the local authority write to Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan calling for Garda enforcement around this matter.
Cllr Beasley wants to see those involved in sulky racing on Limerick roads prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
“This motion is submitted in recognition of the serious and ongoing risk to public safety for road users and animal welfare. We are allowing these illegal races to take place, and I’m sure all of you will have seen on Facebook and different social media that these horses are being flogged to death,” she told the meeting.
“We had one case in February this year where a mare was flogged, and they ran away and left the horse attached to the sulky. It’s happening all the time on Limerick roads, and we have to do better. You know, this is not about culture, it’s about cruelty, and we need to stop it.”
Social Democrats councillor Shane Hickey-O’Mara seconded the motion, saying: “I suppose sulky racing is different than other blood sports because it doesn’t have a lobby group or political parties behind it. I look forward to the day when none of them do. We’ve got a long way to go.”
Independent councillor Maria Donoghue took the view that sulky racing is “reaching out of control levels” on Limerick roads. She agreed with Cllr Beasley that the laws needed to be exercised more effectively in order to step this out.
“It’s to do with animal safety, it’s human safety, and it’s just an activity that is not acceptable. I’m sure there are tracks that could be used or built to perform this sport, and I don’t see why the public thoroughfare has to be the one to do this,” Cllr Donoghue said.
Fine Gael councillor Gregory Conway said that sulky racing is witnessed on the roads of his district in Cappamore-Kilmallock “fairly regular”. He also called for increasing powers for Gardaí in relation to enforcement so they can carry out their duties to the best of their abilities.
Cllr Conway agreed with Cllr Donoghue’s comments in relation to tracks for sulky racing, but asked, “who’s going to want them in their town?”
“If we were to have these tracks, who’s going to want them? You’re going to cause trouble wherever you’re going to put these tracks, but they are something that we should look at.”