NSPCA urges Cork public to sign petition calling for ban on sulky horse activity on public roads
The NSPCA is calling for a legal ban on sulky horse activity on Irish public roads, citing serious animal welfare and public safety concerns.
The National Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) is calling on people in Cork to sign a petition urging the Government to introduce a legal ban on sulky horse activity on public roads, citing serious concerns for both animal welfare and public safety.
The petition, hosted on Uplift.ie, has already attracted more than 8,000 signatures and is expected to exceed 10,000. It calls on the Government to introduce a prohibition on sulky horse activity on public roads, including racing, training, and high-speed driving.
The petition also seeks a coordinated multi-agency approach involving the Departments of Justice, Agriculture, Transport, and Rural and Community Development, along with local authorities, An Garda Síochána, and the NSPCA. Among the other measures called for are strengthened enforcement powers, additional Garda resources and training, a digital evidence management system, and an online portal for submitting video evidence of incidents involving horses and sulkies on public roads. Adequate animal welfare supports for the safe handling, rehabilitation, rehoming, or seizure of horses are also requested.
Conor Dowling, director of advocacy with the NSPCA, said:
"For years, sulky horse activity on Irish public roads has been tolerated. However, the risks posed to both horses and the public are becoming impossible to ignore. Recent incidents involving horses and sulkies on public roads have once again highlighted serious concerns relating to animal welfare and road safety. The current legal position continues to create difficulties around enforcement and accountability. Horses should not be placed in dangerous situations on busy public roads, and communities should not have to continue facing the public safety risks associated with this activity."
Claire Owens, political officer with the NSPCA, added:
"We are asking the Government to take urgent action. Our 'Keep Sulky Horse Activity Off Irish Public Roads' petition has attracted more than 8,000 signatures to date and we expect the total number to exceed 10,000, indicating strong support among the public for a legal ban. We urge people in Cork to add their signature to it now."
People in Cork can view and sign the NSPCA's petition on Uplift.ie.
