New horse equipment for Irish equine charities

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Horse welfare charities across Ireland are set to receive grants totalling €1.185million from the Irish government. The donations have been largely awarded to voluntary organisations to pay for horse equipment such as tack, feed and stabling.

The equine charities which are to benefit from the investment include The Irish Horse Welfare Trust, which received € 20,000, the Equus Foundation, which received € 3,000 and The Donkey Sanctuary, which received € 50,000.

The investment comes as Irish horse charities have warned that many equines are likely to die over the winter months as owners struggling in the recession set them free to cope alone.

Paddy Barrett, public relations manager of The Donkey Sanctuary told Horse and Hound, "We have had a huge influx of animals this year – treble the amount last year. It is undoubtedly due to the recession as it is costly to feed and geld animals, and they have gone down in value.

"The fund will contribute to veterinary care, and will also help educate people about the care of donkeys and mules."

Brendan Smith TD, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, announced the donations during a visit to the Irish Blue Cross animal welfare charity in Dublin.

"I am confident that the money will be put to good use by the organisation in providing the best possible service towards animals in their care."

The money will ensure that more equines will be able to be cared for over the winter months and the necessary feed and horse equipment can be paid for.