A SEVEN-year-old ex-racehorse was rescued by ISPCA Inspectors at Ballinasloe Fair in October after he was found tied to a fence in an emaciated condition and covered in sores.

Through his microchip, it was established that ‘Dash’ was on the racecourse as recently as July and had won over €20,000 in his racing career. Further enquiries revealed that he was sold on when he was not racing well. Sadly, for Dash, he passed through a number of hands, and it is believed that he was used for trotting.

As his ownership record was not updated, efforts to establish who had been responsible for his lack of care prior to his rescue have so far proved unsuccessful.

An ISPCA press release said: “As well as being emaciated, Dash was very foot sore, but once in ISPCA care, he received farrier treatment and new shoes, a much-needed rug and a nutritious diet. He was soon much better in himself and gained condition in a short space of time.”

As a result of this and other similar cases, the ISPCA is calling on the Government to review the equine identification regulations and the process around transfer of ownership of equines. Currently, the responsibility is with the buyer to update ownership and not the seller.

ISPCA Chief Inspector Conor Dowling said: “We would urge all horse-owners to consider the welfare of their horse, not only when it is in their care, but to also think about what might happen if they sell it on, and to do all they can to guarantee the welfare of their horse in the future.”

The press release added: “The ISPCA believes that the horse racing industry, and all those involved in it, have a responsibility to the horses involved in racing throughout their lives and should take all steps possible to ensure that horses do not fall through the cracks and end up in a situation like Dash did.”

Suspicions of animal cruelty or neglect can be reported to its cruelty helpline (0818 515 515) or by emailing helpline@ispca.ie or via spca.ie/report-cruelty/. Donations to support vital rescue and rehabilitation work can be made via ispca.ie/donations/