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HomeFarming NewsProsecutions for sulky driver who ‘fled across fields’
Catherina Cunnane
Catherina Cunnanehttps://www.thatsfarming.com/
Catherina Cunnane hails from a sixth-generation drystock and specialised pedigree suckler enterprise in Co. Mayo. She currently holds the positions of editor and general manager at That's Farming, having joined the firm during its start-up phase in 2015.
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Prosecutions for sulky driver who ‘fled across fields’

A sulky driver is set to be prosecuted after Gardaí seized a sulky and pony in Co. Kilkenny over the course of the weekend.

The sulky driver was seen performing “dangerous” manoeuvres on a road on Saturday night (Saturday, January 16th).

In a post on social media, Garda Síochána Kilkenny/Carlow, said: “Gardaí in Kilkenny seized this sulky and pony this evening after its driver committed a number of dangerous driving manoeuvres, had no lights/reflectors and failed to stop for Gardaí.”

“Occupants fled across fields. Prosecution to follow. All road users must adhere to rules of the road. #Arrivealive #Slowdown.”

Sulky race in Limerick

Meanwhile, in December, two men were arrested in Limerick in relation to alleged dangerous driving following a suspected sulky race.

The incident occurred before on the morning of Saturday, December 5th on the N24 Tipperary Road. Gardaí were on patrol when they noticed a group of vehicles involved what appeared to be a sulky race.

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Two males, both aged in their 30s were arrested, and detained at Roxboro Road Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

“Sulky racing on a public road is illegal, is dangerous to all road users and can put the horses under tremendous strain.”

“Gardaí will investigate all incidents of endangerment, illegal sulky racing and where animals are being mistreated.”

Calls for Department of Agriculture intervention 

The ISPCA says it has been calling on the Government for “some time to deal with not only the public safety issue but also the serious animal welfare concerns caused by sulky racing and training”.

In a statement last February, a spokesperson said: “Driving horses, particularly young horses, on hard road surfaces can result in serious injuries and collisions with vehicles has resulted in the death of horses in the past.”

The ISPCA believes that the Department of Agriculture should work with local authorities to identify safe, off-road areas for sulky users where the activity can be regulated appropriately.

“An Garda Síochána already have sufficient powers under the Road Traffic Act to deal with the reckless and dangerous driving seen in the video and local authorities have powers to seize any horse that is not microchipped.”

See An Garda Síochána’s website here.

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