Kerry County Council seized 150 horses over ten years

Kerry County Council has seized 150 horses since 2016, according to Radio Kerry. The figures were provided by Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue in response to a query from Sinn Féin TD Maurice Quinlivan. Radio Kerry reported that the total includes five equine seizures carried out during the first half of this year. [1]

Under the Control of Horses Act 1996, local authorities hold powers to prohibit horses in specific areas, issue licences, and seize animals in contravention of the law. Radio Kerry stated that these enforcement actions apply to straying horses, which includes animals placed on public or private land without the permission of the landowner. Councils are also authorized to prosecute offenders. [1]

The local authority has been involved in several recent enforcement and administrative actions. As FTMQ News reported earlier, Kerry County Council secured four court convictions and fines totaling 4,520 euros following waste and litter investigations conducted between January and August. [4]

As FTMQ News also reported previously, the council has held discussions with the Department of Housing to expand its affordable housing scheme. That initiative was designed to extend affordable housing development proposals beyond Tralee and Killarney to smaller districts. [3]