More than 10,000 sign petition calling for total ban on sulky racing

The organisers say they want the government to introduce a statutory prohibition on sulky racing and sulky training involving horses, regardless of location. Picture: Marc O'Sullivan

More than 10,000 people have signed a petition calling for a complete ban on sulky racing.

The campaign follows the recent “horrific” death of a pregnant horse after sulky races — which are currently illegal on public roads — at Dollymount Strand and on a stretch near the N4 in Ballyfermot.

Witnesses claim the horse was repeatedly kicked to get her to stand after she stumbled and fell during one of the races.

They also said she was "left to die" and was covered in blood and cuts by the time rescuers reached her after the race on February 2.

University College Dublin (UCD) vets named the horse Anne and treated her, but she later died from her injuries, as did her unborn foal. Her case was raised in the Seanad earlier this month.

Senator Chris Andrews called on the government to clamp down on sulky racing and said gardaí need to go after cruel horse owners, following what he described as “persistent neglect of animals in urban areas".

He said this was particularly prevalent in Dublin among horse owners who, he said, “claim to love their animals”.

The Change.org petition, which has so far attracted 10,543 signatures, was set up by a person who gives only “MK” as their name. It states: “We, the undersigned, respectfully call on the Government of Ireland to prohibit sulky racing and sulky training involving horses, and to ensure that the forthcoming Animal Welfare Strategy 2026-2030 commits to the development of the necessary legislation to provide a clear statutory basis for such prohibition.

“Sulky racing involves horses pulling lightweight two-wheeled vehicles at speed, often under competitive conditions.

“Evidence from repeated incidents across the State demonstrates that this activity presents a high and foreseeable risk of injury, distress, and death to horses, regardless of whether it takes place on public roads or other locations.

“It is acknowledged that certain forms of sulky racing on public roads are already unlawful under existing legislation, including road traffic law.

“However, the continued occurrence of sulky racing, together with repeated reports of serious injury and fatalities, demonstrates that reliance on enforcement of existing provisions has not been sufficient to prevent harm, nor does it address sulky racing and training conducted outside public road settings.” 

The petition adds: “While general animal welfare obligations exist under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, these provisions are standards-based and enforcement-dependent. In practice, they have not prevented recurring and severe welfare outcomes associated with sulky racing.

“Where regulatory and enforcement measures have consistently failed to prevent serious animal welfare harm, legislative prohibition is an appropriate and proportionate response.

“Moreover, repeated reports of horses suffering catastrophic injuries, collapsing from exhaustion, or requiring destruction following sulky racing incidents indicate that the risk of suffering is intrinsic to the activity itself, rather than arising solely from isolated breaches or inadequate enforcement.

“This demonstrates that enhanced enforcement alone would be insufficient to safeguard animal welfare.

“This petition is not concerned with cultural identity, tradition, or individual communities.

“It is concerned solely with whether an activity involving animals can be carried out in a manner consistent with modern animal welfare standards.” 

The organisers say they want the government to introduce a statutory prohibition on sulky racing and sulky training involving horses, regardless of location.

They also want the government to ensure enforcement powers and penalties are “sufficient to give effect to the prohibition”.

They add: “Ireland has already recognised, through legislation, that some uses of animals are incompatible with acceptable welfare standards.

“We urge the Government to apply the same principle to sulky racing, in the interest of animal welfare, public confidence, and legislative clarity.”