Sir, - In Declan Walsh's article, (August 15th) I am, by implication, included among the "middle-class evangelists from the Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals" for expressing concern about the plight of some of Dublin's horses. Last year, 120 horses died in Dublin, most put down by veterinary surgeons at the expense of the Dublin S.P.C.A. We also took 268 horses into care at our Rathfarnham Shelter, victims of abuse, neglect, starvation, or disease. Our Inspectors have been attacked while trying to help these animals, as have veterinary surgeons.
One Inspector had to move house due to threats, culminating in the burning of his ambulance at night, outside his home. Declan Walsh also mentions threats to me. As ordinary humans, we are deeply distressed by the dreadful condition of many of the horses we care for. If this is middle-class evangelism, then so be it.
Motorists have been killed in collisions with horses. In other incidents, children have been seriously injured. Yet, injured parties have no redress, as it has been impossible to identify horse owners. It is unlikely that any piece of legislation can address all the problems related to keeping horses in urban areas. However, the new law gives those who enjoy the companionship of horses the opportunity to do so in a caring and responsible manner. - Yours etc., Therese Cunningham,
Director, Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Stocking Lane, Dublin 16.