Horses left to starve and die

THE Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) is investigating a slew of cases regarding alleged mistreatment of horses in Clare.
In one incident in Kilmurry, outside Sixmilebridge, two horses were found dead, while another was found with a broken leg and was subsequently put down.
It’s also understood that allegations of cruelty are being investigated in Broadford after five horses were found dead, another in Mountshannon after three horses were found dead and a third in Connolly after another three horses were found dead there.
ISPCA officer Frankie Coote was seen visiting the site of the alleged mistreatment in Kilmurry but afterwards he was keeping tight-lipped about the details of what was found there. “There is an ongoing investigation into allegations of cruelty there,” he confirmed to The Clare Champion.
It is believed that there were 23 horses at the farm in Kilmurry, where the alleged mistreatment took place.
Gardaí also visited it, while the Department of Agriculture was also contacted.
Barbara Bent, chairperson of the ISPCA said that a number of cases of alleged cruelty to horses have emerged in the last few weeks, following on from the cold snap.
“ISPCA inspectors have witnessed an unprecedented number of cases involving abandoned horses in recent weeks, many of them suffering from starvation. Especially at risk are thin-skinned thoroughbred horses who cannot cope with a combination of malnutrition and being left outside in the severe weather conditions. Many of these horses will not survive in these circumstances.”
“The ISPCA reminds members of the public to be vigilant and to contact the National Animal Helpline on 1890 515 515 or their SPCA to report any instances of suffering animals. If a member of the public wishes to report any stray or abandoned horses they should contact their local authority to make a report.”