Since 2015, the Department of Agriculture has spent more than €2m on seven urban horse projects. Photograph: Brenda FitzsimonsAn abandoned horse was left dying for two days on a green in the middle of a housing estate before being euthanised. The Control of Horses Act requires all horses to be microchipped, have adequate land to graze on and be kept in a safe environment. This was not the case in many urban areas and the legislation is simply being ignored, he said. Since 2015, the department has spent more than €2.1 million on seven urban horse projects, with a €170,000 allocation this year.

Source: The Irish Times March 28, 2026 00:43 UTC