The first horse fair of 1997 in the Smithfield markets area of Dublin takes place tomorrow. It is likely to be the last or second last such fair held before the introduction of tough new controls on keeping horses in urban areas.
New legislation which will allow local authorities designate areas where horses may be kept only under licence is due to come into effect in around two months.
The Control of Horses Act 1996 does not include controls on the holding of fairs such as the one at Smithfield, but will directly affect many of the people who buy and sell horses at the controversial fair.