Majority of seized stray horses had to be put down

The vast majority of 88 stray horses seized as part a multi-agency crackdown to protect motorists and pedestrians in Cork City had to be put down, mainly because their owners wouldn’t pay the fees required to release them from a pound.

A Garda Inspector involved in the operation revealed that many of the animals were so badly neglected they were “a sight to behold”.

News of the appalling attrition rate amongst the seized horses has prompted gardaí and city councillors to seek the setting up of a special centre where people can learn to care for the animals properly.