Horses
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Archaeologists believe that horses were domesticated around 3500 BC, later than dogs and cats. We know that by 2000 BC they were fully domesticated. From this period onwards, there is a sharp increase in the number of horse bones found in domestic settlements.
An evolving relationship
In medieval times, horses were used for carrying knights into battle. They had a huge impact on the lives of people in Europe and Asia, making transport easier.
As society became more civilised their roles changed. Originally herded for milk and meat, horses were later used for cultivating grain and pulling ploughs on farms. The advancement of technology has seen their importance on farms wane. However, they are still considered essential on ranches across the world.
The relationship between humans and horses has evolved. Today, they are recognised for their talents in helping children and adults with special needs. Some programmes throughout the world advocate that riding a horse can help people with physical disabilities.
Horse abandonment
During the Celtic Tiger, Ireland’s horse-racing industry boomed. Thousands of people bought horses as a status symbol. Hit by the recession, they can no longer afford to take care of the animals.
The number of equine cruelty cases at the country's welfare centres has increased significantly in 2011. Many groups reported that horses now account for most of their calls.
Ireland is regarded as a nation of horse lovers. Yet, the population of unwanted horses is leading to many being slaughtered for human consumption abroad.
More than 7,000 horses were slaughtered for food in Ireland in 2010, compared with just 822 in 2006.
The protection of horses
While horses are protected under animal welfare legislation, that legislation dates back to 1911. The Animal Welfare Bill first mentioned in 2008 is yet to be enacted.
Owners and keepers of horses must carry documentation for them. EU regulation calls for horses to be identified by microchipping.
Archaeologists believe that horses were domesticated around 3500 BC, later than dogs and cats. We know that by 2000 BC they were fully domesticated. From this period onwards, there is a sharp increase in the number of horse bones found in domestic settlements.
An evolving relationship
In medieval times, horses were used for carrying knights into battle. They had a huge impact on the lives of people in Europe and Asia, making transport easier.
As society became more civilised their roles changed. Originally herded for milk and meat, horses were later used for cultivating grain and pulling ploughs on farms. The advancement of technology has seen their importance on farms wane. However, they are still considered essential on ranches across the world.
The relationship between humans and horses has evolved. Today, they are recognised for their talents in helping children and adults with special needs. Some programmes throughout the world advocate that riding a horse can help people with physical disabilities.
Horse abandonment
During the Celtic Tiger, Ireland’s horse-racing industry boomed. Thousands of people bought horses as a status symbol. Hit by the recession, they can no longer afford to take care of the animals.
The number of equine cruelty cases at the country's welfare centres has increased significantly in 2011. Many groups reported that horses now account for most of their calls.
Ireland is regarded as a nation of horse lovers. Yet, the population of unwanted horses is leading to many being slaughtered for human consumption abroad.
More than 7,000 horses were slaughtered for food in Ireland in 2010, compared with just 822 in 2006.
The protection of horses
While horses are protected under animal welfare legislation, that legislation dates back to 1911. The Animal Welfare Bill first mentioned in 2008 is yet to be enacted.
Owners and keepers of horses must carry documentation for them. EU regulation calls for horses to be identified by microchipping.
