Issue with feral horses in Clare-Limerick border must be tackled

–                  Horses roaming free in Moyross area

–                  Presents both danger to motorists and animal welfare issues

 

Clare Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe is calling on Limerick City and County Council and An Garda Síochána to urgently bring control to the feral horse situation in Moyross.

“Throughout last week and over the weekend, I received many phone calls from Meelick and Parteen residents who encountered up to 15 feral horses at a time galloping along the Knockalisheen and Long Pavement Roads,” said Deputy Crowe.

“These horses were not haltered, not tethered nor were they confined to any enclosure. They were simply running at free will across roads and footpaths.

“Several of these horses had small foals and they were in a distressed state when they encountered cars.

“My fear is that if these horses are not brought to safe enclosures, there will be a very serious road traffic accident – and possibly a life lost.

“I also fear for the welfare of these horses.

Deputy Crowe continued: “These animals should be properly cared for in fields with appropriate fodder and secure fence enclosures. The era of long acre grazing should be confined to the past.

“I don’t want to see these horses impounded because I know that would spell a very sorry end for these beautiful animals, but the owners need to take responsibility for them.

“I believe these horses were, until recently, grazing fields along the route of the Knockalisheen to Coonagh distributor road but in recent days they’ve spilled out from local fields and are now all along the road network.

“This is a Limerick issue in some ways but fully impacts residents of Parteen and Meelick and I’m calling now on all agencies to ensure that the horses are brought to a secure enclosure where their lives aren’t at risk, nor those of passing motorists either.”

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