A HORSE DIED after it collided with two cars while pulling a sulky on a Tipperary road this week.

Gardaí are investigating the incident, which occurred shortly before 9.50am on Wednesday morning in Old Bridge, Clonmel.

A garda spokesperson said the horse was deceased at the scene but no people were injured in the crash.

Enquiries are ongoing, they said.

“Although An Garda Síochána is not the lead agency for animal welfare, we take animal welfare matters seriously and encourage anyone with concerns for the safety and welfare of animals in their area to contact their local Garda Station or call the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111,” the spokesperson said.

My Lovely Horse Rescue said incidents like this “cannot be minimised or normalised”.

“A living animal, sentient, sensitive and easily frightened lost its life in a situation it should never have been in”, they said in a statement.

“On a busy public road, that horse was exposed to fast-moving traffic, noise, and pressure that no animal can reasonably be expected to cope with. When things go wrong in those situations they go wrong quickly and the consequences are devastating.

“This time, the horse did not survive.

“While it is a relief that no serious human injuries have been reported, the outcome for the animal was fatal.”

The charity is calling for sulkies to be banned from public roads, as well as a dedicated Garda Animal Crime Unit to be established.

Currently, An Garda Síochána has Animal Health & Welfare Liaison Inspectors nominated in each Garda Division.