THE Irish Field has learned that there is no plans at department level for the appointment of a horse warden for Tipperary where equine welfare abuse cases has gripped public attention.

Tipperary County Council this week passed a motion calling on the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, for a horse warden to be appointed.

Just days ago, some more horse carcasses were discovered near Cahir. A field near the meat factory in Cahir was the scene of the latest discovery of a number of dead horses in the county. It follows the recent discovery of seven dead starved horses at Knocklofty, Clonmel, which led to a public outcry.

A Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine spokesperson yesterday told The Irish Field: “The Control of Horses Act 1996 details powers available to local authorities for the control and welfare of horses. The Act does not have provision for designation of a horse warden but does provide for the appointment of authorised persons by the local authority to exercise functions under the Act. The Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government have clarified that currently, a horse warden grade is not included in its structure.

“The Department provided funding of €533,839 to local authorities in 2017 to assist with their work in control of stray and abandoned horses and the Department continues to stress that it is the responsibility of individuals to ensure the welfare of horses in their ownership and/or their care and to dispose of them appropriately.”

Meanwhile, Action for Animal Welfare Ireland are planning another public meeting and protest on equine welfare in Clonmel.