Estate horses remain a problem
HORSES continue to be a problem in Local Authority housing estates, according to Declan Byrne, director of service with Laois County Council.
Mr Byrne told members of the Laois Joint Policing Committee that there was a cruelty aspect to the way in which horses were kept and treated.
"Local Authority Services (LAS) have had some success in removing horses and this has had a positive effect, in that there has been a decline in the number of horses being brought in," Mr Byrne said.
He continued: "Tenant Liaison Officers have begun a policy of reporting cases of cruelty to the Gardai." But he said in order for the Gardai to initiate a prosecution, they needed signed witness statements and residents were hesitant in making statements in every case. "Tenants who allow horses to be brought to an estate are censured for breached tenancy agreements," he said.
He said the council were also addressing other problems such as graffiti and vandalism to open spaces and damage to local authority houses.
Councillor Paul Mitchell, suggested the council look at youth programme where the kids are taught how to look after horses properly.
"I know it has been done before in another county, and some of the people involved went on to jockey school," he said.
He added: "It would turn a negative into a positive and give the kids something to do."
Chief Superintendent, Frank Moore said a project like this was currently running in Tallaght, but would require alot of money to set up.
Cllr Mitchell also suggested that if people on the housing list were wildling to carry out the necessary works to vacant houses, it would free houses up quicker. "There are alot of tradespeople unemployed who would be willing to do the work themselves."
He said in return they would get a few months rent free. Cllr Brendan Phelan said it was important to get houses re-let quickly. "Vacant houses can be an area for anti-social behaviour to be established very quickly," he said.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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