Strong equine legislation fixing problem of unwanted horses

The scale of the unwanted horse problem and associated welfare issues continue to decrease significantly, according to Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney.

He said he believes that greater enforcement of equine legislation, improved traceability through a more effective passport regime and a central equine database are factors in the improvements.

Financial support for subsidised horse castration projects to reduce indiscriminate breeding has also delivered huge positives for equine welfare in the past 12 months.