Over the past few weeks we have learnt of the horrific cruelty inflicted on a number of Irish horses that subsequently resulted in their deaths. Who could fail to be moved by the distressing picture of the horse in Wicklow lying on the ground, legs broken after a severe beating, eventually euthanised while her foal stood nearby?

As an animal lover I fully endorse the sentiments expressed by Chris McCarthy (Letters, Aug 20).

A SELF-CONFESSED heroin addict and his partner appeared in court yesterday after a series of incidents in which two gardaí were alleged to have been assaulted in Cahir in south Tipperary.