Councillor proposes amnesty to solve horse problem

A THREE-month amnesty should be given to horse owners to facilitate the microchipping of horses, which are “squatting” on public land in Gort, according to a local county councillor.
However, when the amnesty ends, the horses should be either removed by the owners or seized by Galway County Council.
Councillor Gerry Finnerty has called on Galway County Council to consider fencing off public lands that is effectively being squatted on by owners of horses in several parts of the county.
The Fianna Fáil councillor claimed there is potential traffic hazard and nuisance for residents posed by a large number of horses in a 10-acre site at Kinacha, Gort about half a mile from the centre of the town and at a six-acre sit at Lavally in the middle of the town.
The land at Kinacha was originally purchased to provide a hardstand but was closed down and Councillor Finnerty believes this is being taken advantage of by horse owners.
In total, Councillor Finnerty estimates there are about 50 horses on the two parcels of land owned by the council and is extremely concerned that most of the owners are not known.
Unlike cattle and sheep, which are tagged for identification purposes, there is no tagging system for horses. Councillor Finnerty has proposed a subsidised microchipping scheme be introduced where all the horses could be brought to the mart or a suitable location where this would be carried out at a reduced cost by a local vet.
“The council has the power to seize horses but this should only be done after a three-month amnesty is given to allow horse owners to microchip their horses.
“One of the main problems with horses in Gort is their owners are not readily identifiable. Horses are currently on two significant land holdings owned by the council and I feel some horse owners are taking advantage of this situation.
“Horses can break free out onto the public road, which creates a traffic hazard. “The current situation is causing concern among local residents who would like to see some action being taken. I have raised this issue at a number of Galway County Council meetings and I am planning to raise it at the next meeting.
“If the horses were evicted, the council could lease this land to local land owners for a nominal fee and put it to some productive use.
“If a horse is microchipped, the owner can be easily identified and contacted in the event the animal is being ill-treated or neglected,” he said.
The legislation covering the control of horses was outlined by a Department of Agriculture inspector at a recent Galway County Council meeting where he confirmed it is the responsibility of the council to impound horses. 
County secretary Michael Owens stated this matter will be investigated and noted it may be possible to initiate a programme of works on a priority basis.