Control of Horses Act, 1996

Seizure and detention of horses.

37.—(1) An authorised person or a member of the Garda Síochána may seize and detain any horse that the person or member has reason to suspect is—

(a) a stray horse, or

(b) causing a nuisance, or

(c) not under adequate control, or

(d) posing a danger to persons or property, or

(e) posing a threat to the health and welfare of persons or other animals, or

(f) being kept in a control area, without a horse licence in respect of it entitling the horse to be kept in that area, or

(g) not identifiable or capable of identification as may be required by section 28 , or

(h) in or being kept or ridden or driven in an area contrary to any bye-laws made under section 47 .

(2) An authorised person or a member of the Garda Síochána may seize and detain a horse in relation to which a requirement has been made under section 33 and the person or member has reasonable cause to suspect that the necessary veterinary attention has not been or is not likely to be obtained.

(3) A horse seized under this section may be detained in a pound anywhere or in such other place as may be specified by the local authority in whose functional area the horse was seized or by the Superintendent, as the case may be.

(4) A person who without lawful authority removes a horse while it is being detained under this section shall be guilty of an offence.