HORSE POWER

Sir, Frank Kilfeather's "colour" piece (April 12th) gives an interesting preview of what Dublin streets might be like if the …

Sir, Frank Kilfeather's "colour" piece (April 12th) gives an interesting preview of what Dublin streets might be like if the horse owners of Ballymun and Ballyfermot had their way. The finale of their protest was when "the horses were pressed into a gallop and galloped through the streets, with their riders and drivers whooping and cheering".

As Dublin streets are peppered with traffic lights and pedestrian crossings, the danger for walkers, cyclists and motorists is obvious. Horses are not machines with deceleration and brakes responsive instantly to pedal control. They are sentient creatures - as we are ourselves - sensitive to pain, noise, fear and the limitations of their own physiology.

In the interests of horse and human, hasten the Control of Horses Bill! - Yours, etc.,

Rathtarnham,

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Dublin 14.