Sulky trotting on public roads needs to be banned, says Irish animal welfare organisations.
This illegal practice involves a horse or pony pulling a small cart and trotting or racing on public roads has led to numerous incidents of injury and death to animals.
A recent incident in Clonmel town, Co. Tipperary saw a horse being killed as a result of a collision between a sulky and a vehicle.
To raise aware of this issue, a national protest walk will take place in Clonmel. Co. Tipperary on Saturday, 11th April at 3pm.
Tipperary County Council members, Cllr Micheál “Chicken” Brennan (Labour) and Cllr Liam Browne (Independent) working with the My Lovely Horse Rescue animal rescue charity have organised the event to draw attention to the increasing dangers associated with sulky running on public roads.
The walk will feature local and national speakers, with animal welfare organisations from across the country invited to attend. Walk organisers emphasise that the practice of sulky trotting/racing poses significant risks both to those involved in the activity and to other road users, while also raising serious concerns regarding animal welfare.
Public Concern Raised
Cllr Brennan said the event reflects growing public concern: He commented, “Communities across Ireland regularly witness the dangers of sulky running. Horses are placed under extreme pressure on public roads, and the safety risks are increasing. This walk is a call for action.”
Cllr Browne added that national policy on this issue is urgently required, “We want to see proper legislation introduced, clear rules, strong protections for animals, and measures that keep all road users safe. This is a nationwide issue, and it requires a nationwide response.”
The Roads Act 1993, Section 74 provides a legal framework to permit, prohibit, or impose conditions on races such as Sulky Racing/Road Racing. Organisers of road races involving animals must meet strict organising criteria before permission is granted by the local authority and Gardaí. Unlicensed, unnotified races on public roads are illegal, and organisers can be prosecuted.
Walks Details
On the 11th April, those attending the walk at are asked to gather at Irishtown car park, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary at 3pm where the walk will start and proceed to follow a route to Clonmel town, ending up in the Plaza area.
Walk organisers are inviting individuals, families, community groups and animal welfare advocates to join the walk and support the call for meaningful, long‑term solutions to what is an animal welfare emergency.
Information:
Cllr Michael Brennan
https://www.facebook.com/people/Cllr-Michael-Brennan/100029836489955/
Cllr Liam Browne
https://www.facebook.com/liam.browne.90
My Lovely Horse Rescue
https://www.mylovelyhorserescue.com
Roads Act 1993 – Section 74
https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1993/act/14/section/74/enacted/en/html