Sulky Racing
The NSPCA has serious concerns about the welfare risks associated with sulky racing on public roads.
Recent incidents involving catastrophic injuries and fatalities have highlighted the dangers posed to both horses and the wider public. Unregulated road racing often takes place without veterinary oversight, licensing requirements or appropriate safety measures.
Why This Matters
Public roads are not safe environments for horses pulling sulkies at high speeds.
Recent incidents across Ireland have highlighted the serious dangers associated with horses and sulkies on public roads, including collisions resulting in severe injuries and fatalities. Horses can become distressed by traffic, noise and crowds, creating significant risks for the animals involved, road users and local communities.
The NSPCA believes horses deserve stronger protections and that urgent action is needed to prevent further avoidable tragedies.
What We Are Calling For
The NSPCA believes urgent action is needed to prevent further avoidable tragedies and ensure stronger protections for both horses and the public.
We are calling on the Departments of Transport and Agriculture to:
Introduce a legal prohibition on sulky horse activity on public roads, including racing, training and high-speed driving.
Develop a coordinated multi-agency response involving the Departments of Transport, Agriculture, Justice and Rural & Community Development, together with local authorities, An Garda Síochána and the NSPCA.
Strengthen enforcement powers and provide Gardaí with additional resources and training.
Develop a digital evidence management system and online reporting portal to allow members of the public to submit video evidence of incidents involving horses and sulkies on public roads.
Provide adequate animal welfare resources and facilities to support the safe handling, rehabilitation, rehoming or seizure of horses where necessary.
Progress So Far
More than 11,000 people have signed the NSPCA petition calling for change.
The petition will be presented to elected representatives and relevant Ministers to help drive political discussion, strengthen enforcement measures and support legislative action on this issue.
We continue to engage with stakeholders, policymakers and enforcement agencies to advocate for practical solutions that improve equine welfare and public safety.
