THE National Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) is urging people in Limerick to sign a petition backing legal ban of sulky activity on public roads.
The NSPCA’s petition calls on the Government to introduce a legal ban on sulky horse activity on public roads to ensure stronger protections for horses and the public.
The petition, which people in Limerick can view and sign on Uplift.ie, outlines that the NSPCA is asking the Government to introduce a legal prohibition on sulky horse activity on public roads, including racing, training, and high-speed driving. It also calls for developing a coordinated multi-agency approach involving the Departments of Justice, Agriculture, Transport, and Rural and Community Development, together with local authorities, An Garda Síochána, and the NSPCA.
“For years, sulky horse activity on Irish public roads has been tolerated. However, the risks posed to both horses and the public are becoming impossible to ignore. Recent incidents involving horses and sulkies on public roads have once again highlighted serious concerns relating to animal welfare and road safety,” said NSPCA Director of Advocacy, Conor Dowling.
”The current legal position continues to create difficulties around enforcement and accountability. Horses should not be placed in dangerous situations on busy public roads, and communities should not have to continue facing the public safety risks associated with this activity.”
The NSPCA’s call goes out after Limerick councillors demanded An Garda Síochána actively enforce existing legislation around the illegal racing of sulkies on public roads across the city and county. Councillors took the view that sulky racing is now reaching “out of control levels” on Limerick roads.
According to political officer with the NSPCA, Claire Owens, it is now time the Government to took urgent action. The organisation’s ‘Keep Sulky Horse Activity Off Irish Public Roads’ petition has attracted around 10,000, indicating strong support among the public for a legal ban.
“We urge people in Limerick to add their signature to it now,” Ms Owens commented.