‘If you can’t mind a goldfish’ - calls for stricter bylaws for horse ownership in Waterford
“Our council staff every year have to go into fields and take away decomposed horses that have died from cold, some from neglect."
City South Councillor John Hearne has called for stricter bylaws governing horse licensing.
He asked the Director of Roads, Water and Environment, Fergus Gleeson at the January sitting of Waterford City and County Council if there was a committee looking at the issue.
“Our council staff every year have to go into fields and take away decomposed horses that have died from cold, some from neglect.
"I don’t think it is acceptable that should ever happen, and I don’t think anyone here does,” said Cllr Hearne.
Cllr Hearne said owners should be required to get a licence on the basis that they have a place to keep the animals and food to feed them.
“I think it’s a shame to see people stressed that animals are dying in the cold, in the fields and in ditches.
“If you can’t provide for an animal, get a goldfish, and if you can’t mind a goldfish, don’t get anything,” said Cllr Hearne.
In response, Mr Gleeson advised that the councillor’s concerns be referred to the environment SPC.
He also said that the new inspector's contract was out for tender.
