A SMALL Shetland pony abandoned in Dublin and rescued yesterday was the lucky one.
The Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals took the pony from outside the offices of Dublin County Council in Tallaght to its pound in Rathfarnham and later got an offer of a home to which it will go as soon as its health improves.
The society's executive officer, Ms Therese Cunningham, said it had been abused in the way it was ridden and needed routine treatment, but it was in sound health and had a good future. Staff at the pound have named it Tiny.
The pony's fate is in contrast to that of the six horses who died through road accidents or being abandoned in Dublin over the holiday period. Five of these occurred before Christmas, including one in Coolock where an animal had an eye gouged out.
Ms Cunningham said a Horse Control Bill was promised and these incidents highlighted the need for it. There was appalling cruelty to horses which could be owned without restriction by anybody. Dublin West TD Mr Liam Lawlor said legislation on horses should be given priority.
