Report an incident
MLHR are not authorised to seize horses, to enter private property, to carry out investigations or to bring prosecutions. However, we can assist Authorised Officers e.g. Gardaí, Dept of Agriculture Inspectors, Councils/Local Authorities in moving an equine to a place of safety.
Reporting Stray/Abandoned Horses on Public Land/Roads:
Stray, abandoned, unaccompanied horses (tethered or not) on council land, roads or on private land without the owner's permission and can be seized under Section 37 Control of Horses Act 1996). To report, contact:
If you have witnessed an incident of cruelty or have concerns regarding the welfare of a horse/donkey, contact the following organisations who have Authorised Officers under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
Authorised Officers and Gardaí under this Act have powers to inspect and enter private land.
Provide as much evidence as possible (e.g. photo/video, exact location):
1. NATIONWIDE: Department of Agriculture, Food and The Marine - Cruelty Helpline
Call Save: 0761 064408
Phone: +353 1 607 2379
Email: [email protected]
www.agriculture.gov.ie/animalhealthwelfare/
Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays). At all other times it will divert to a recorded message and messages left will be monitored regularly.
DAFM Veterinary Inspectors can also deal with welfare concerns for farm animals.
2. DSCPA/ISPCA
Dublin: Contact the DSPCA
Tel: +353 1 499 4700 - choosing option 1
(open Monday to Friday 9.00 am - 5.00 pm).
http://www.dspca.ie/contactus
Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo, Cavan, Longford, Roscommon, Meath, Westmeath, Offaly, Kildare, Laois, Carlow, Wicklow, Limerick, Cork, Waterford, South Tipperary: Contact the ISPCA
1890515515 / 043 3325035
[email protected]
Web: www.ispca.ie
The DSPCA and ISPCA cannot deal with stray horses or farm animals.
3. GardaÍ (in person if possible).
All Gardaí have the same powers as DSPCA, ISPCA and Dept of Agriculture Veterinary Inspectors. They can use the assistance of vets and rescues in moving an animal to a place of safety and can bring prosecutions.
4. Your Local Authority (County/City Council)
Some councils have vets or welfare inspectors authorised to investigate.
Other Organisations that can assist Authorised Officers
Reporting Stray/Abandoned Horses on Public Land/Roads:
Stray, abandoned, unaccompanied horses (tethered or not) on council land, roads or on private land without the owner's permission and can be seized under Section 37 Control of Horses Act 1996). To report, contact:
- Your Local Authority/Council (during working hours)
- Dublin Area
- Other Areas - contact details here.
- Gardaí (after hours or if urgent)
If you have witnessed an incident of cruelty or have concerns regarding the welfare of a horse/donkey, contact the following organisations who have Authorised Officers under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
Authorised Officers and Gardaí under this Act have powers to inspect and enter private land.
Provide as much evidence as possible (e.g. photo/video, exact location):
1. NATIONWIDE: Department of Agriculture, Food and The Marine - Cruelty Helpline
Call Save: 0761 064408
Phone: +353 1 607 2379
Email: [email protected]
www.agriculture.gov.ie/animalhealthwelfare/
Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays). At all other times it will divert to a recorded message and messages left will be monitored regularly.
DAFM Veterinary Inspectors can also deal with welfare concerns for farm animals.
2. DSCPA/ISPCA
Dublin: Contact the DSPCA
Tel: +353 1 499 4700 - choosing option 1
(open Monday to Friday 9.00 am - 5.00 pm).
http://www.dspca.ie/contactus
Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo, Cavan, Longford, Roscommon, Meath, Westmeath, Offaly, Kildare, Laois, Carlow, Wicklow, Limerick, Cork, Waterford, South Tipperary: Contact the ISPCA
1890515515 / 043 3325035
[email protected]
Web: www.ispca.ie
The DSPCA and ISPCA cannot deal with stray horses or farm animals.
3. GardaÍ (in person if possible).
All Gardaí have the same powers as DSPCA, ISPCA and Dept of Agriculture Veterinary Inspectors. They can use the assistance of vets and rescues in moving an animal to a place of safety and can bring prosecutions.
4. Your Local Authority (County/City Council)
Some councils have vets or welfare inspectors authorised to investigate.
Other Organisations that can assist Authorised Officers
- If the incident is regarding a donkey please also notify the Donkey Sanctuary.
- Email [email protected] or send a direct message via Facebook* or via our contact form below. We will do our best to assess a situation and will assist authorised officers or Gardaí in dealing with any incidents on request.
