Control of horses

Galway County Council is responsible for the operation of the Control of Horses, 1996 legislation for County Galway.

Horses which are strays, causing a nuisance, not under adequate control or posing a threat to persons or property (as defined by Section 37 of the act) can be seized and detained. They are impounded. Horses are only released to owners who provide evidence "that they are bone-fide in occupation of lands sufficient for the horses in their possession" as required under 4, Schedule A of Part III of the bye-laws.

If you believe the straying horse/mule/donkey poses a danger to the public, please inform the Garda Síochana as soon as you can. 

If a horse/mule/donkey is straying or out of control on public property, please contact Galway County Council Housing section.