Gardaí Seize Unchipped Pony Found Tied to Tree in Bishopstown Estate
Gardaí seized an unchipped pony found tied to a tree in a Bishopstown housing estate, Cork City, after welfare concerns were raised.
Gardaí have seized a pony found tied to a tree in a housing estate in the Bishopstown area of Cork City, after it emerged the animal was not microchipped as required by law.
On 14 July 2026, Gardaí responded to reports of a pony tied to a tree in a housing estate in the Bishopstown area of Cork City. Concerns had been raised that the pony had been used to pull a cart during the hot weather and was not being looked after.
Gardaí located the pony, and subsequent enquiries established that it had been purchased at a recent horse fair before being transported to and kept in the public green area of a housing estate.
The pony was not microchipped, as required by law, and was subsequently seized under the Control of Horses Act 1996 (as amended).
The pony is now in the care of vets and is being well looked after.
An Garda Síochána reminds all animal owners that they have a legal responsibility to ensure their animals are properly identified, kept under control, and that their welfare is safeguarded at all times.
