A bill aimed at banning unsanctioned sulky racing on Irish roads is coming back before the Dáil today.
It comes just days after two men were arrested in connection with an alleged sulky race on the Tipperary Road in Limerick last Saturday morning.
Footage of the alleged incident appears to show one of the racers crashing into a parked car in foggy conditions.
Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath said he is bringing legislation aimed at regulating the sport back before the Dáil today.
“The bill really has one simple aim and that really is to prohibit sulky racing where no lawful permission has been granted or indeed asked for,” he said.
“The primary motivation behind the bill is to address the growing health and safety and welfare concerns not only for the public but also for the horses and these young passengers that are involved.
“The bill doesn’t impact on off-road sulky racing, on tracks. That is what I am hoping to do would be to relocate it – as you would have it in France and other countries.”
The plans would see anyone who organises or takes part in an unsanctioned sulky race facing six years in prison and a fine of up €5,000.
Following the Limerick incident last week, gardai warned that sulky racing is illegal on public roads.
They said they are “particularly vigilant in relation to horses not being kept under proper control or where they are being neglected or mistreated.”
