No prosecutions over serious animal neglect at Briarhill

The Department of Agriculture has confirmed that no prosecutions will be taken over the serious neglect of horses at Briarhill.
The department launched an investigation in March after a significant number of dead and malnourished animals were discovered at a site in the area.
In a statement, the Department of Agriculture says that while it would have wished to prosecute the owner of the animals, this simply was not possible.
It says this is due to a complete lack of identification – none of the animals were micro-chipped, and no-one presented themselves as their owner.
The scene at Briarhill was described as ‘a nightmare of cruelty and neglect’ when discovered by rescue charity Hungry Horse Outside in March.
It discovered a number of horses, including foals, wandering in a malnourished state amongst a significant number of carcasses in advanced stages of decomposition.
The Department says that of the 8 horses rescued at the site, 5 had to be euthanised on welfare grounds – while the remaining 3 are now being rehabilitated.
It adds that the land ownership issue is being pursued by Galway County Council, with a view to arranging proper fencing.

The post No prosecutions over serious animal neglect at Briarhill appeared first on Connacht Tribune - Galway City Tribune.