A STUDY to determine the age, sex, breed and geographical distribution of the unwanted horse population in the period 2005-2010 is to be carried out by he Irish Equine Centre.
The Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association said it will provide the equine centre with initial funding for the work on a demographic survey of the unwanted horse population of Ireland.
A statement said the study was now at an advanced design phase and representatives of all key design areas will be contacted within the next few weeks by Des Leadon, fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, who is leading the project team.
In a related move, champion showjumper, Denis Lynch has given €100,000 to assist the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to help tackle Ireland’s horse and pony welfare crisis. He personally raised the money from overseas donors in Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands to help the charity rescue abandoned and neglected horses. Tipperary-born Lynch has been living and working in Germany for the past 16 years.