USPCA calls on Assembly to consider crossbow regulation

The USPCA has called on the Assembly to take action on the issue of crossbows following what the animal welfare organisation described as an "appalling" attack on a horse.

The Clydesdale horse was found with a metal bolt lodged in its jaw, having been grazing on the Creggan estate when it was attacked.

Stephen Philpott, of the Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said that the incident was a disgraceful attack on a defenceless animal.

Mr Philpott went on to state that the shooting had not been an isolated incident. He said: "The USPCA regularly has to extract these bolts from swans, ducks, cats, dogs, and now an unfortunate horse has been hit with one. Someone has to do something about these weapons.

"Really, now is the time for the Assembly to start looking at how they are going to regulate the use of these crossbows."

The owner of the horse, Mr Willie Gallagher, also called the attack "a disgrace". He added: "If it had been a youngster, they would have been dead." (CL)