Co-Founder Of Kildare Animal Charity Claims Animal Abuse Has Gotten Worse And Calls On Government To Act

Tuesday, 30 June 2026 14:28

By Daniel Maher

She also called for a Garda animal crime unit, which could deal with situations of animal abuse.

The co-founder of a Kildare-based animal rescue charity has said that animal cruelty has gotten worse in Ireland.

She also called on the Government to act urgently, rather than announcing long-term plans.

It comes as the My Lovely Horse charity had recently found their pony, Eleanor, after she was stolen from Moyvalley in north Kildare a month ago.

She was found tied to a pole in the Kishoge area of Clondalkin.

Speaking on Kildare Today, Martina Kenny, co-founder of My Lovely Horse animal rescue charity said that the Government needs to take action when it comes to animal cruelty:

"I have to say it's gotten worse, our Government need to stand up and listen.

I'm done with their five year strategy plans, we need a 'right now' plan. There's animals suffering everyday all over his country, it's no use giving someone a ten day notice, it only gives someone time to hide that animal somewhere else."

She also called for a Garda animal crime unit, which could deal with situations of animal abuse.

Ms Kenny added that animal cruelty was seen during the recent soaring temperatures:

"There were horses collapsing, there were dogs chained up, standing in weather where there's no shelter. Some of those animals are so dehydrated, a lot were passing out, horses were tied tightly to poles and not able to walk into a shaded area."

The full interview can be heard below: