Courts / Galway / Report
Horse owner sues council over seizure and slaughter
Summary
In 2019, Mr Edward McDonagh of Galway sued Galway County Council, claiming wrongful seizure and slaughter of his thoroughbred stallion, Chief of Colours, seized in February 2018. He seeks judicial review orders and declarations that the council acted beyond its powers by refusing to release the horse and euthanising it to enforce a disputed debt. McDonagh also alleges the council's policy of detaining horses for unpaid fees and its failure to provide requested information violated his constitutional rights to fair procedure. He seeks damages for the unlawful slaughter. The council denies the claims, stating the seizure was lawful under the 1996 Control of Horses Act, citing breaches by McDonagh and lack of a valid horse passport. The case was opened in the High Court, with the judge reserving judgment until after Easter.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Horse owner sues council over seizure and slaughter. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- February 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
- 13th April 2018 Other
- April 16th Hearing Or Sentence
- 2019-04-09 Publication
Why: The council also denied that the horse was wrongly and disproportionately withheld because the fees were not paid. CNI source report
Case subjects
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