WARNING: Graphic images
My Lovely Horse Rescue shared a photo of the deceased animal and explained that it appeared the foal had been tied up and “attacked” by dogs in Darndale.
Photo: My Lovely Horse Rescue
An animal charity has called for the enforcement of anti-cruelty laws after a young horse was found dead in Co Dublin this week.
My Lovely Horse Rescue shared a photo of the deceased animal and explained that it appeared the horse had been tied up and “attacked” by dogs in Darndale.
They described the female equine’s death as “horrific” as they stressed the need for a dedicated animal welfare unit in the country.
“This poor baby was found dead in Darndale, Co. Dublin, behind Bewleys head office,” they began in a social media post.
“The horrific death this poor yearling endured had to be what only nightmares are made of. It seems that she was attacked by dogs. She was tied up, so had no chance of getting away. There was no sign of water.
WARNING: GRAPHIC
This poor baby was found dead in Darndale, Co. Dublin, behind Bewleys head office. The horrific death this poor yearling endured had to be what only nightmares are made off. It seems that she was attacked by dogs. She was tied up, so had no chance of getting… pic.twitter.com/Znlz4znwHx
— My Lovely Horse Rescue (@MyLovelyHorseR) October 21, 2023
“This is council land! Urban estates around the country have poor horses tied up with no water and no shelter. Some of these so-called owners are less than twelve years old. This has to stop! Laws need to be enforced. We need a dedicated animal welfare unit.
“RIP, little girl. You didn’t deserve this. At least now you’re gone from this cruel world. We hope you’re in a better, loving place. Please donate if you can, so we can help these poor animals crying out for help.”
Social media users fumed in the comments section and condemned the animal’s cruel death.
One person wrote: “This is preventable!!!! Why are lands not been checked by a welfare officer within the department????? Why are there dogs loose that could be a risk to life? This is not good enough and it needs to change. @DubCityCouncil needs to wake up and act on animal welfare.”
Another said: “It always breaks my heart seeing these horses. They always look so depressed. We reported one to the RSPCA three times as it had no water or shelter in the heatwave. They never attended. It has to stop! Cruelty in plain sight!”
And a third added: “This is so horrible I hope whoever is responsible for this horrendous act of cruelty is held accountable.”
Dublin City Council currently operates both dog and horse welfare units.
“Dublin City Council provides a Control of Horses Service in order to address the problems arising from the practice of irresponsible horse ownership in the city area,” it says of the Animal Welfare Horse Unit.
DCC has been contacted for comment.
Donations can be made to My Lovely Horse Rescue here.