Target: Catherine Pierse, Director of Public Prosecutions, Dublin, Ireland
Goal: Prosecute the person allegedly responsible for three horses being deprived of adequate food, clean water, and treatment while suffering open wounds and advanced hoof rot.
Three horses were reportedly discovered in a muddy enclosure on unregistered land after welfare inspectors responded to an anonymous tip. Their physical condition was seemingly devastating. Inspectors documented extreme emaciation, advanced hoof rot and untreated open saddle wounds. It appears no adequate forage or clean drinking water was available. Emergency seizure orders were executed, and all three animals were transferred to an equine rescue sanctuary.
Authorities have identified a livestock trader as the primary suspect. Investigators allege that the individual was responsible for the horses while leasing agricultural parcels under secondary business names. The suspect has reportedly not presented for formal questioning and has not been located. Investigators are also working to establish legal ownership because the horses had no mandatory microchips or equine passports.
Rescue has ended the animals’ immediate suffering. Accountability must follow if investigators establish criminal responsibility. Police should complete the evidentiary file, locate the identified suspect and determine who had responsibility for providing these horses with basic care. If sufficient evidence substantiates the allegations, appropriate prosecution and penalties must follow.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Director Pierse,
Three horses were reportedly removed from a muddy enclosure after inspectors documented extreme emaciation, advanced hoof rot and untreated open saddle wounds. Adequate forage and clean drinking water were apparently unavailable when authorities discovered the animals.
Police have identified a primary suspect who allegedly had responsibility for the horses. That individual reportedly has not been located for formal questioning. Ownership documentation, agricultural leases, veterinary findings, witness statements and transport records could help investigators determine who was legally responsible for their care.
Please ensure that the evidence receives full prosecutorial consideration. If sufficient admissible evidence establishes that the identified suspect deprived these horses of necessary food, water or treatment, pursue appropriate charges and penalties under Ireland’s Animal Health and Welfare Act. Animals found emaciated, wounded and suffering from severely deteriorated hooves deserve meaningful accountability.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Henk Monster
