DSPCA calls for end to market as youths try to set fire to wild horse
TEENAGERS who had bought a wild horse tried to set it on fire to stop it running away, it has been claimed.
The Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty Against Animals (DSPCA) said the horse had been "terrorised" by young teenagers.
The society believes that the horse was bought in Smithfield Market several weeks ago.
When a group of teenage boys brought it back to Kiltalown Park in Tallaght, the wild animal was frightened and continually ran away.
"The kids were trying to catch the horse for almost a week," said Orla Aungier from the DSPCA. "They terrified it."
The youths began to throw objects at it, including a lighted object, according to the DSPCA, which had been alerted by concerned residents.
Gardai had to be called when the teenagers tried to chase the horse away and hurled abuse at officers from the DSPCA and South Dublin County Council as they tried to bring the animal into safe captivity.
BRUTALITY
The society thinks the horse was unbroken and ultimately wild and has asked Dublin City Council to stop the inner-city Smithfield Market.
"Someone is going to die. This is certain. There is no control of the horses at this market," said Mrs Aungier.
The DSPCA said many of the people at the market disregard the laws affecting the upkeep of animals.
"The animals are treated with such brutality. There is no registration required and horses are being sold to kids, which is against the Control of Horses Act," Ms Aungier said.
"Our inspectors have observed young people exchanging iPods and mobile phones for horses,"she added.
The animal society and South Dublin County Council confiscated 17 horses in the Dublin area between Tuesday and Thursday last week.
A Dublin City Council spokeswoman said the council did not control the market and would not be solely responsible for closing it down.
"There is a market right for that area of Smithfield within legislation," she said.
However, she added that the council is currently looking for an alternative location for the market in the north west of Dublin city.
- Claire Murphy
