KEVIN G.A. SMITH,
Madam, - The report by Andrew Bushe headed "DSPCA calls for new laws to stop import of ponies" (The Irish Times, December 30th) highlights one aspect of an ongoing and horrific problem: the import and export of live horses, ponies and donkeys.
Earlier this year questions were raised in the Dáil, on our behalf, by Olivia Mitchell and Alan Dukes on the subject of the export of live horses for slaughter. At the same time, Patricia McKenna MEP was raising similar questions in the European Parliament on behalf of the new charity Irish Horse Welfare Trust. However, the export trade of live horses for slaughter goes on despite a declared State policy that this practice is forbidden. In Britain, there is a minimum value of £715 sterling placed on the export of horses - which effectively stops export for slaughter.
That said, the real problem exists between the UK and the Republic of Ireland where no such restrictions apply. Consequently, there is little if any control over the conditions under which live horses, ponies and donkeys can be transported over long distances. The DSPCA is right to call for new laws but we must also demand that the laws that exist are enforced.
In two of the areas highlighted by Mr Kenny of the DSPCA - Ballyfermot (Cherry Orchard) and Tallaght (Fettercairn) - centres have been constructed for horse and young rider care and education. Having played a part in the early development of both the Cherry Orchard and Fettercairn Centres, we intend to help sponsor riding and horse welfare training, through the Blue Cross, in other areas (e.g. Finglas and Ballymun) early next year. We are also helping in the development of the Irish Horse Welfare Trust.
We now need two vitally important supports: (a) the Department of Agriculture to do its job in closely monitoring the import and export of live horses (particularly with its counterparts in Northern Ireland and in Britain) and to ensure the enforcement of the laws that currently exist; (b) The Irish Times to campaign on these issues until satisfactory solutions are achieved. - Yours, etc.,
KEVIN G.A. SMITH,
President,
Racing Club of Ireland,
Newbridge,
Co Kildare.