A YOUNG girl was hospitalised for specialist treatment after being attacked by a horse roaming on public land in Limerick.
The primary school-aged child suffered injuries described as “horrendous” after the horse sank its teeth into her hand, causing extensive damage.
Not only was the child bitten, but the horse also caused bruising and marks to her upper body during the attack.
The girl was initially referred to University Hospital Limerick, before being moved to Cork University Hospital such were the severity of her wounds.
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Pictures of the deep wound in her hand caused by the attack have sparked shock and anger. It is understood the horse was in the company of a foal at the time.
“It’s the the most severe horse bite I have ever seen,” said someone familiar with the incident, who requested not to be identified. “There is going to need to be a lot of treatment – her tendons look injured.”
Limerick City and County Council confirmed they are aware of the incident and are working alongside officers in the city.
“The horse flared up, the hooves went on her neck, so she is all bruised down her neck, on her stomach,” added the individual.
The attack, which took place in late July, has again thrown into focus concerns over horses roaming in the city and the enforcement of horse control laws. It’s likely to prompt renewed calls for tougher enforcement against roaming horses.
Under the council’s horsecontrol bye-laws, grazing horses within the city generally requires a licence. Such licences are understood to be rarely granted.
“We all know horses shouldn’t be here, and people are being injured. It was only a matter of time before something like this happened.
“It’s like the scramblers, or the scooters. It’s only when something serious happens, then all of a sudden, something may be done about it,” the source added.
Some people have fears around approaching horses in Limerick to offer food or water.
In a statement, the local authority confirmed: “Limerick City and County Council was notified by a member of the public of an incident where it was alleged that a minor was injured by a horse straying on public lands.
“Since then, Limerick City and County Council is working closely with gardaí on the case.”
A spokesperson for HSE South West, which Cork University Hospital falls under the auspices of, said, for confidentiality reasons, they cannot comment on individual patients or their treatment.
They said Cork University Hospital provides specialist plastic and reconstructive surgery services for patients with serious traumatic injuries.
The issue of roaming horses has been a persistent problem across parts of Limerick for years.
The local authority has spent more than €600,000 enforcing horse control laws over the past six years, seizing hundreds of animals found wandering on public roads and green spaces.
Council bosses say loose horses pose a serious risk to motorists and pedestrians, while any animals not reclaimed within five days are rehomed through registered horse charities.
Clare TD Cathal Crowe, who lives close to Limerick’s border, raised the matter in Dail Eireann last month.
He says it’s “absurd” anyone should claim to have a “cultural entitlement” to graze horses and ponies near their home.
In comments to the Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly during an Oireachtas debate, Mr Crowe warned that one day a pony will kick a young child and they will be killed.
