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06 Sept 2025

Drastic action set to be taken against the 'horrible abuse' of Kilkenny horses

Read more in this week's Kilkenny People as local councillors take serious action...

Drastic action set to be taken against 'horrible abuse' on Kilkenny horses

A still from one of many videos taken where horses are forced to swim in the river. The horse attempts to turn back but is pulled forward

Kilkenny County Council have confirmed that they intend to go to public consultation to amend the current Horse Bye-Laws, following the emergence of unsettling videos of horses struggling to stay afloat in the River Nore last summer.

Over the past decade, a number of alterations have been made to the Bye-Laws. In 2015, sulky racing was banned on public roads and subsequently in 2021, horse-exclusion zones were introduced in parts of Kilkenny City.

It is now proposed the existing Bye-Laws be extended to Dean Street, St Francis Bridge and the Old Mart Road to close off access points to the river.

WATCH: Horse made to swim in middle of Kilkenny by young man with rope again

"It's cruel to the animals and it’s horrible to see in broad daylight in front of everyone. It’s a horrible abuse of our river as well," Mayor, Cllr Andrew McGuinness said.

"It's a very positive development and I think it highlights the fact that the gardaí and us as elected members are working together to deal with a negative issue in a very productive way."

"I'm not targeting a community, I'm targeting cruelty to animals."

MORE REACTION TO FOLLOW...

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