THE My Lovely Horse Rescue charity is lobbying to have standards improved in Dublin’s carriage driving industry.

MLHR has carried out research and interviewed stakeholders in the industry including carriage drivers, vets, farrriers, Gardaí and Dublin City Council officials in a bid to identify ways to improve on welfare and safety standards in the operation of horse-drawn carriages operating in the capital.

“The common goal of stakeholders we spoke to was for high standards of welfare, safety and professionalism in the industry,” said an MLHR spokesperson.

MLHR is also recommending the following:

  • Introduction of routine and ad hoc equine welfare checks on carriage horses
  • Checks on tack, harness and equipment to ensure fit and comfort
  • Ban on use of breastcollars when carrying passengers
  • Licence plate to be clearly visible, fixed and lit with photos of each driver licenced to operate it
  • Checks on passport/microchipping and veterinary condition of the horses
  • Upskill a number of Gardaí in areas where horses are stabled/operate from
  • Improve information to help Gardaí know what agencies they can contact for equine assistance
  • Introduction of an equine Certificate of Health, similar to that in New York

    • DEAD HORSES

    Meanwhile, authorities in Northern Ireland, including the PSNI, are investigating the discovery of three horses found starved to death in a forest area of Londonderry. The area has been used for fly-grazing.

    Teresa McKenna told The Belfast Telegraph the scene she came across in the field on Glenedra Road was “heartbreaking and horrific”. Six other starved horses were found alive but in a very poor state and are receiving urgent veterinary attention.