“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” – Mahatma Gandhi.
“Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.” – Proverbs 12:10.
Our picture shows an abandoned horse on the side of the road, severely injured, having apparently collided with a parked car on the N8, just outside of Cahir, Co Tipperary some days ago.
Members of the Irish travelling community are believed to have left the horse to die, after they crashed the animal and a Sulky it into the back of a parked black Volkswagen Polo while training or racing. The animal, which was abandoned while still alive, later died from what we understand was a sustained broken neck and other injuries.
Those involved are believed to have been members of the Irish travelling community who race horses; towing lightweight, two-wheeled, single-seat carts along busy main roads for considerable financial wagers. This sport has provoked much controversy in recent years; with campaigners arguing that sulky racing not only compromises the safety of pedestrians, their drivers, motorists, but also the welfare of those animals participating.
South Tipperary County Council has now been asked to ratify the Control of Horses Act 1996 at its upcoming meeting expected on Monday next.
Cork County Council in the past have proposed strengthening current legislation; recommending that those racing wear high visibility jackets, have anti-roll bars fitted and that riders require permission to travel prior to exercising these animals on our public roads.
However the cruelty demonstrated in this particular event on the N8, is truly unprecedented and totally repugnant to 95% of people residing in the county.
Gardaí at Cahir are appealing for information.
George. This is terrible and all over the news here. This is not the first time it has been mentioned here as to how Irish people are so good at dumping animals. George the County Council must act now and do something about this deliberate cruel act on a defenceless animal. There is no reason for the so called “The travelling people ” in Ireland today. Ban them completely off the Irish Roads. The Cork County Council and the Irish people who care must stand together on this and show the so called ‘Travelling People’ they mean business. This would never be allowed here, so why Ireland?
George. My husband John is a great collector and dealer of Antiques. He gets, from all over the world, information about Antiques and Antique Auctions. John got information in about an Auction going to be held in Dublin. (NOW DONT LAUGH) Auctioning Irish Headstones. Unfortunately somehow he has lost that information from his computer. He said the headstones looked quite old. George have you or any of your readers heard of such an Auction in Dublin. The only think I can come up with is “They might be Medieval head stones.” Any idea George. They could make great garden ornaments?