LEGISLATION aimed at controlling horses in urban areas should come into effect by the end of the year, according to the Minister of State for Agriculture, Mr Jimmy Deenihan.

The Government has approved the text of the Control of Horses Bill, 1996, which contains a range of measures which will be operated by local authorities and the Garda. They will be given extensive powers to implement the legislation which includes licensing and identification of horses and a ban on the sale of horses to minors.

The measures also include the seizure and detention of stray horses, the disposal of horses seized by the local authorities and criminal liability for permitting or causing a horse to pose a danger to people or property. Maximum penalties of £10,000 or two years' imprisonment are included for criminal liability such as injury or damage because of a horse.