Urgent action cry after ‘terrified' horse crashes into car on busy road during funeral procession as gardai launch probe

The Irish Sun

11 hours ago

A number of carts and sulkies were travelling alongside the horse-drawn sulky
'URBAN COWBOYS' Urgent action cry after 'terrified' horse crashes into car on busy road during funeral procession as gardai launch probe
GARDAI are investigating an incident where a 'terrified' horse crashed into a moving car during a funeral procession in Dublin 22.
The horror crash, involving the horse-drawn sulky and car, occurred on Coldcut Road in Clondalkin at around 1.45pm on Monday.
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A horse was injured after colliding with an oncoming car in Dublin
Credit: Social Media Collect @MyLovelyHorseRescue
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The horse-drawn sulky hit the car during a funeral
Credit: Social Media Collect @MyLovelyHorseRescue
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Footage circulated online of a horse galloping at speed down the Coldcut Road.
A number of carts and sulkies were travelling alongside the horse-drawn sulky, some displaying funeral flowers.
The horse-drawn sulky overtakes the hearse and the driver approaches lights at a crossroad.
The person on the cart is heard shouting 'no' at traffic and the cart goes through a red light.
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The horse then collided straight into the side of a back passenger door of a silver car that was coming from the Liffey Valley direction.
A loud thud is heard, along with some shouting and the clip ends with the horse lying on the road.
A vet rushed to the scene and treated the horse which survived the collision.
But My Lovely Horse Animal Rescue charity blasted the 'urban cowboys' for putting 'blood on our streets' and demanded new animal protection laws and a garda-led animal welfare unit.
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A spokesperson said: 'A funeral procession of a road traffic victim became chaos.
'Horses galloping along footpaths. Sulkies and traps weaving through traffic. Then the crash.
'A terrified horse ran into a turning car. Left bleeding, with a deep cut across its head, lying on the road as Gardai arrived.'
The charity warned the 'reality' of the incident results in Road Traffic Act breaches and causes major animal welfare issues.
They stressed there was 'no regulation, no insurance, no roadworthiness' and said pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers were put at 'serious risk' during the incident.
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The animal rescuers said the horse was 'exhausted' and 'terrified' during the ordeal.
The charity blasted: 'This is not tradition. This is lawlessness and cruelty.'
CALLS FOR NEW UNIT
My Lovely Horse Animal Rescue is calling for a Garda-led Animal Welfare Crime Unit.
They believe a dedicated garda unit would be 'empowered to investigate and act" on animal welfare issues.
The Edenderry based charity told how they're left "picking up the pieces" after similar events.
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They suggested that "increased" and "sustained funding" for rescues is urgently needed.
The group is calling for "modern" and "enforceable laws" to protect animals and the public.
INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED
Gardai confirmed that they have launched an investigation into the horror incident.
A garda spokesperson said: 'Gardai received a report of a road traffic collision involving a car and a sulky that occurred on Coldcut Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 at approximately 1.45pm on Monday, 10th August 2025.
'No injuries to persons were reported.
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"A vet attended the scene and treated a horse which survived the collision.
'Gardai in Ronanstown are investigating this incident and are liaising with the relevant animal welfare organisations.'
The charity has launched a petition to demand urgent action and appreciate any donations of support.