A demographic survey of unwanted horses in Ireland in 2011 and totals for 2012 and a comparison with 2010

Abstract

This report compiles the available information on unwanted horses in Ireland for 2011 and 2012 and builds upon the previous report for the period 2005 to 2010. Similar trends are present in the high value responsible ownership category and the practicing veterinary profession although extensively involved in horse welfare, euthanises a small proportion of Ireland’s unwanted horses. Welfare groups have limited resources and a limited ability to deal with such an extensive problem, which has involved very large numbers of horses. Local authorities continue to have to devote significant efforts and calls on public finances to deal with unwanted horses. Those that they have to deal with are, in the main, not identifiable by either passports or microchips. Category 2 plants and abattoirs continue to provide the principal means of disposal of unwanted horses. The need for abattoirs continues to increase and it is essential that these facilities remain in operation. They processed more than 49,000 horses between 2010 and 2012. The samples they have to submit for Trichinella testing are the most sensitive indicator of the extent of the unwanted horse problem and the most immediate source of information on when it may begin to abate. Trichinella sample numbers and this by inference, horses ponies and donkeys sent to slaughter have fallen by some 35% from 2012 numbers, in the year to date (2013). This may reflect the commercial decision to cease horse slaughter by two slaughterhouses that had hitherto provided this service. Their commercial decision was not in any way related to the identification of fraudulent mislabeled beef in other plants.

Factors associated with rehoming and time until rehoming for horses listed with an equine charity

“…When compared with previous studies in the UK, 22–25 the breeds available for rehoming appear to be similar to the breed demographics reported, with Thoroughbreds and native breeds the most common. In previous studies, the breeds associated with racing had the highest proportion of horses available for rehoming 1 7 26 or slaughter 5 . While the number of Thoroughbreds available for rehoming may reflect the underlying population, Thoroughbreds may be unsuitable for an amateur recreational rider due to their previous racing experience and temperament, 27 28 leading to these horses being available for rehoming.…”

Horse impoundments under Control of Horses legislation in the Munster region of Ireland: factors affecting euthanasia

“…The first four years coincided with a period of economic boom, including an expansion of the domestic horse industry. In 2009–2012, Ireland entered a period of economic recession, leading to rapid contraction of the horse industry, and an associated problem with both unwanted and stray horses (Collins and others 2008, 2009, 2010, Leadon and others 2012, 2013). …”

“…Horses were often impounded in groups, with the owner subsequently reclaiming only those in good body condition and of the greatest value. Leadon and others (2012, 2013) have stated that horse populations are sensitive to adverse economic circumstances. Coincidentally, welfare charities were either close to or had exceeded their capacity and were unlikely to offer a sustainable solution (Collins and others 2010).…”

“…A range of factors have been attributed to a sharp increase in the number of unwanted horses in the USA, including the closure of US horse slaughter facilities in 2007 coincident with a general economic downturn (North and others 2005, Whiting 2007, Unwanted Horse Coalition 2009, Holcomb and others 2010, Lenz 2011). In Europe, the recent economic recession also resulted in an increase in numbers of unwanted horses (Leadon and others 2012, 2013), although with the option for horses to be sent to slaughter within national boundaries (Leadon and others 2012). In Ireland, there was a substantial increase in the numbers of unwanted horses between 2005 and 2010 (Leadon and others 2012).…”

An investigation of the equine infectious disease threat represented by the presence of donkeys at mixed equestrian events in Ireland

“…Collins et al [ 1 ] reported on threats to equine welfare in Ireland highlighting (among other issues) the potential for the transmission of contagious disease at equestrian events where there is little enforcement of identification of equidae legislation and variable, often poor, standards of biosecurity. Subsequently demographic data regarding the numbers of unwanted equidae including donkeys in Ireland has been compiled [ 2 ]. There is a link between the incidence of unwanted, poor value equidae, the neglect of these animals’ health needs (including vaccination and deworming) and the threat of the spread of contagious disease at equine events where good biosecurity standards and traceability are lacking.…”