17. Captain CRAIGasked whether the tails of five horses grazing on a farm near Santry, in county Dublin, were cut off on the night of 12th October last, and that the tails of nine other horses on an adjoining farm were also cut off; and whether anyone has been brought to justice for these outrages?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe hon. Member appears to have been misinformed. The police report that the hair was cut off the tails of the horses referred to apparently for the purpose of selling it, but the animals were not in any way injured. The police are not aware of any similar occurrence on an adjoining farm, as stated in the question. No person has been made amenable for this offence, which is of common occurrence and very difficult to detect.
§ Mr. KILBRIDEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware the hair was cut off these horses' tails for the purpose of selling them to Ulster horse dealers?