Strict bye-laws controlling horses in Co Louth - particularly in Dundalk and the Cooley Mountains - came into force yesterday. Louth County Council said packs of up to 100 horses are roaming the mountains and putting public safety at risk. Elaine Keogh reports.
"Some of the roads on the mountain run across the commonage areas the horses are left grazing on. We have had incidents where in the dark a car has come around a corner and hit a horse. So far we have buried two horses but obviously our main concern is about the public in such situations," said a council spokesman.
He said the bye-laws are also to protect the mountains, amongst the most scenic in Ireland. In Dundalk some 100 horses graze on public lands. In future horses must have a microchip and may need a licence. Keeping horses in the garden is banned except under strict provisions and it will also be an offence to allow a horse to graze, remain or stray in a public place.
They are also banned from sand dunes and cannot be taken onto the beaches in summer unless it is before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. Those riding a horse in public must have a bridle, including reins fitted with a metal bit, and an adult must accompany riders under 16 years.
The spokesman denied Travellers were being targeted and said public safety and animal welfare were the motivating factors.