A Zebra and Pony Walk Into a Pub...
Bizarre/Strange
Yesterday
3 minute read.
Animal rescue charities have called for stricter regulations on exotic animal ownership in Ireland after images of a zebra inside a pub in County Clare were widely shared online.
The young zebra was seen in multiple locations, including a local pub, following the Ennistymon Horse Fair on Sunday. The images, which also showed a pony inside the establishment, sparked criticism from animal welfare organisations and members of the public.
Some individuals described the sight as "sickening" and "utterly disgusting".
Concerns Raised by Animal Welfare Groups
My Love Horse Rescue, one of the organisations condemning the incident, shared a photograph of the zebra and called for government action.
"A poor zebra… there’s enough cruelty in this country without adding another poor animal to the mix," the charity posted online. "Pony and zebra in a local bar!!!! An Garda Síochána, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine – wouldn’t take much to find out the owner of this establishment!!! ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. Email, phone, local TDs and government – Ireland has become a shameful animal cruelty country."
Clare Animal Welfare also criticised the situation, sharing an image of a child approaching the zebra on the streets of Ennistymon.
"This is not a hoax," the charity wrote. "This cruelty is going on in Ennistymon, Co. Clare at the horse fair."
Lack of Legislation for Exotic Animals
Currently, there are no specific laws in Ireland regulating the private ownership of zebras or other exotic animals, aside from licensing and paperwork requirements upon import.
Clare Dog Warden Frankie Coote highlighted the legal gap, noting that while a licence is required for a dog, the same does not apply to a lion, tiger, or zebra.
"If there are animal welfare concerns, then that is different – that is the only way that people can get involved," he told the Clare Champion. "If an animal was being kept in bad condition. There is nothing to suggest that from the images [online]."
Coote pointed out that the foal zebra appeared young, indicating that its parents may also be in Ireland.
Despite the zebra appearing to be in good health, Coote warned that the current lack of legal restrictions creates a potential problem.
"Really, proper legislation should be brought in to cover this. He could have been walking around there with a lion or a tiger, and there is nothing that anyone could do about it," he said.
Animal welfare organisations continue to push for stricter laws to protect exotic animals from potential mistreatment.
The young zebra was seen in multiple locations, including a local pub, following the Ennistymon Horse Fair on Sunday. The images, which also showed a pony inside the establishment, sparked criticism from animal welfare organisations and members of the public.
Some individuals described the sight as "sickening" and "utterly disgusting".
Concerns Raised by Animal Welfare Groups
My Love Horse Rescue, one of the organisations condemning the incident, shared a photograph of the zebra and called for government action.
"A poor zebra… there’s enough cruelty in this country without adding another poor animal to the mix," the charity posted online. "Pony and zebra in a local bar!!!! An Garda Síochána, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine – wouldn’t take much to find out the owner of this establishment!!! ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. Email, phone, local TDs and government – Ireland has become a shameful animal cruelty country."
Clare Animal Welfare also criticised the situation, sharing an image of a child approaching the zebra on the streets of Ennistymon.
"This is not a hoax," the charity wrote. "This cruelty is going on in Ennistymon, Co. Clare at the horse fair."
Lack of Legislation for Exotic Animals
Currently, there are no specific laws in Ireland regulating the private ownership of zebras or other exotic animals, aside from licensing and paperwork requirements upon import.
Clare Dog Warden Frankie Coote highlighted the legal gap, noting that while a licence is required for a dog, the same does not apply to a lion, tiger, or zebra.
"If there are animal welfare concerns, then that is different – that is the only way that people can get involved," he told the Clare Champion. "If an animal was being kept in bad condition. There is nothing to suggest that from the images [online]."
Coote pointed out that the foal zebra appeared young, indicating that its parents may also be in Ireland.
Despite the zebra appearing to be in good health, Coote warned that the current lack of legal restrictions creates a potential problem.
"Really, proper legislation should be brought in to cover this. He could have been walking around there with a lion or a tiger, and there is nothing that anyone could do about it," he said.
Animal welfare organisations continue to push for stricter laws to protect exotic animals from potential mistreatment.
