Gardai investigate horse crash during Dublin funeral procession

The incident occurred at a funeral in the Clondalkin area in which a horse-drawn carriage crashed into a car.

Gardai are investigating a horse crash during a Dublin funeral procession.

An Garda Siochana has said that animal welfare matters are 'taken seriously' as they investigate the incident that occurred in the Clondalking area on Monday.

A horse-drawn carriage crashed into a car during a funeral procession in the area.

Terrifying footage emerged of the frightened horse crashing headfirstinto the vehicle as the sulky handler loses control of him on the busy road.

In a statement to the Daily Mirror, a spokesperson for An Garda Siochana said: “Gardaí received a report of a road traffic collision involving a car and a sulky that occurred on Coldcut Road, Clondalkin at approximately 1.45pm on Monday, August 10 at approximately 1.45pm.

“No injuries to persons were reported. A vet attended the scene and treated a horse, which survived the collision. Gardaí in Ronanstown are investigating this incident and are liaising with the relevant animal welfare organisations.

The spokesperson added: “An Garda Síochána has Animal Health & Welfare Liaison Inspectors nominated in each Garda Division, who liaise as necessary with the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA), and veterinary surgeons employed by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine to assist members of An Garda Síochána in their duties.

“Local animal charities also provide valuable assistance to Gardaí. Although An Garda Síochána is not the lead agency for animal welfare, we take animal welfare matters seriously and encourage anyone with concerns for the safety and welfare of animals in their area to contact their local Garda Station or call the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111."

Furthermore, a spokesperson for My Lovely Horse Animal Rescue charity condemned the incident labelling it 'lawlessness and cruelty.'

The charity has called for a Garda-led Animal Welfare Crime Unit; increased and sustained funds for rescues; and modern, enforceable laws to protect animals and the public.

“On Monday in Clondalkin, a funeral procession of a road traffic victim became chaotic,” the spokesperson said. “Horses galloping along footpaths, sulkies and traps weaving through traffic. Then, the crash. A terrified horse ran into moving vehicles. Left bleeding, with a deep cut across its head, lying on the tarmac as gardaí arrived.

“This is the reality. Road Traffic Act breaches – no regulation, no insurance, no roadworthiness. Public safety is ignored – pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers put at serious risk. Animal welfare – exhausted, terrified animals, injured in plain sight. This is not 'tradition'. This is lawlessness and cruelty,” they said.

My Lovely Horse Animal Rescue is now calling for a Garda-led Animal Welfare Crime Unit empowered to investigate and act.

"Increased, sustained funding for rescues – because we’re the ones picking up the pieces. Modern, enforceable laws – to protect animals and the public. See something. Say something. Animal cruelty is a crime,” the spokesperson said encouraging the public to sign their petition to demand urgent action.

“Every share, signature, and euro makes a difference. Let’s make sure this doesn’t happen again."