Saturday 31 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 17848Animal welfare incident · Co. Limerick · 17 Mar 2024

Gardaí investigate dead horse left beside N21 after sulky race in Limerick

On Sunday 17 March 2024, gardaí received a report of a dead horse attached to an overturned sulky off the N21 near Newcastle West, Co Limerick, after a sulky race. Animal rescue groups and gardaí believe the horse died of a suspected heart attack during the race, and its remains were left outside the entrance of a house. A Limerick Post report on 20 March 2024 said gardaí had confirmed that enquiries into the animal welfare incident were ongoing. As of that report, no suspect had been named, arrested or charged.

  1. Reported20 Mar
  2. Arrested
  3. Charged
  4. In court
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
A dead horse was found attached to an overturned sulky after a sulky race.
Where
Sources give the location as off the N21 outside Newcastle West, Co Limerick, while gardaí received a report of a deceased horse on the N21 at Ballyfrawley.
When
Gardaí received the report on Sunday afternoon, 17 March 2024, St Patrick's Day.
Cause
Animal rescue charities and gardaí think the horse died of a suspected heart attack during the race.
Other details
  • Deel Animal Rescue said the horse's condition showed she was dehydrated.
  • The horse's remains were left outside the entrance of a house during the St Patrick's Day celebrations.
  • The horse was removed from the scene.
  • My Lovely Horse Rescue posted a video and photographs of the scene online, which were widely circulated.
Investigation
Gardaí confirmed that enquiries into the animal welfare incident are ongoing.
Charges
As of 20 March 2024, no suspect had been named, arrested or charged.
In court
No court proceedings have been reported.
Sentence
No sentence has been reported.
7 statements extracted from the articles
  • whereThe horse was found attached to an overturned sulky off the N21 outside Newcastle West. (limerickpost.ie)
  • whenGardaí received a report of a deceased horse on the N21 at Ballyfrawley on Sunday afternoon, 17 March 2024. (limerickpost.ie)
  • causeThe horse died of a suspected heart attack during a sulky race. (limerickpost.ie)
  • investigationGardaí confirmed that enquiries into the animal welfare incident are ongoing. (limerickpost.ie)
  • otherThe horse's remains were left dumped outside the entrance of a house. (limerickpost.ie)
  • otherThe horse was removed from the scene. (limerickpost.ie)
  • otherDeel Animal Rescue said the horse's condition showed she was dehydrated. (limerickpost.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 20 Mar2024
    Reportedlimerickpost.ie, first report
    Gardaí investigating dead horse abandoned after sulky race on St Patrick’s Day

    First report of the incident. Gardaí confirmed enquiries are ongoing; no suspect is named or arrested.