My Lovely Horse Rescue is calling for the establishment of a garda animal crime unit in Dublin to address the high level of animal cruelty cases that are going unpunished. Recent cases include the fatal sexual abuse of a horse, leaving horses to starve, and trapping a pony in metal on scrubland. Without more enforcement, the charity fears that such appalling cruelty will continue to increase.

Martina Kenny, co-founder of My Lovely Horse Rescue, expressed disgust at the lack of sanctions for those responsible for animal cruelty, such as leaving horses to starve. She believes that animal welfare needs to be a bigger priority to prevent younger people from thinking such behavior is acceptable. The charity is advocating for a garda animal crime unit to enforce existing legislation and bring justice to these cases.

An Garda Síochána has nominated inspectors in each division to work with organizations like the ISPCA and veterinary surgeons to address animal welfare concerns. Penalties for animal cruelty in Ireland are reasonable by international standards, with potential prison sentences of up to five years and fines of up to €250,000. While there have been stiffer penalties and more custodial sentences in recent years, My Lovely Horse Rescue believes that a dedicated animal crime unit is needed to effectively tackle these cases.