Motorists on a busy Dublin roadway sprang into action after a horse collapsed from apparent exhaustion and was allegedly abandoned by her handlers.
The incident occurred on the N4 in Ballyfermot on Monday, prompting an urgent response from local charity My Lovely Horse Rescue.
Found Injured and Exhausted
According to the rescue group, the horse had reportedly been involved in sulky racing — a fast-paced form of harness racing typically conducted on roads. When she went down, witnesses claimed her handlers attempted to force her back up before fleeing the scene, leaving her on the roadside.
In a video shared by the charity, motorists can be seen gathering around the collapsed animal, attempting to comfort her as she lay on the tarmac.
The rescue described her condition as severe. She was said to be covered in blood, suffering from multiple cuts, and there were fears that one of her legs may have been broken. The group also stated that her horseshoes were in extremely poor condition and “not roadworthy whatsoever.”
Emergency Veterinary Care
The horse was rushed to the emergency veterinary clinic at University College Dublin (UCD) for urgent treatment.
Veterinary staff later named her “Anne.” Updates from the rescue suggested she had earlier been seen falling at a nearby garage, after which she was allegedly pulled back up and made to continue racing before ultimately collapsing.
My Lovely Horse Rescue expressed anger and heartbreak over the situation, stating that Anne was “fighting for her life” and enduring significant pain and fear.
Concerns Over Sulky Racing
Sulky racing on public roads has long been a controversial issue in parts of Ireland. Animal welfare advocates have repeatedly raised concerns about:
-
Horse exhaustion and overexertion
-
Inadequate hoof care and shoeing
-
Lack of veterinary oversight
-
Risks posed to motorists and the public
Organizations such as ISPCA have previously highlighted the welfare risks associated with unregulated road racing and the dangers it poses to both animals and road users.
Public Reaction
The footage of motorists comforting Anne sparked strong reactions online, with many praising those who stopped to help and condemning the alleged treatment she endured.
While the full outcome of Anne’s condition was not immediately detailed, her rescue underscores the critical role of animal welfare organizations and quick-thinking members of the public in emergency situations.
The case has once again brought attention to the need for stronger enforcement of animal welfare laws and greater oversight of activities involving horses on public roads.