The level of cruelty being visited on these animals by abandoning them in public spaces and remote forestry locations is shocking.

The Minister has stated that all foals born from 1st July 2009 onwards have to be identified in accordance with EU Rules. They must have passports and be microchipped.

This is clearly not happening. If it was, horses that are subjected to cruelty would have been identified and their owners would be prosecuted.There has to be a review of the EU provision. This requires a response from Government. Local authorities have found it virtually impossible to identify the owners of these horses.

I propose that the Animal Health and Welfare Bill be published immediately and provision be made to ensure that the owners of all horses be identifiable regardless of their pedigree so that sanctions can be brought where cruelty is proven.

We can't solely rely on in the ISPCA or local authorities or other animal welfare organisations to deal with this matter, because they simply do not have the resources.We need a robust legislative solution that ensures that acts of cruelty to horses are prevented.