An animal rescue charity is calling for immediate action after photos of a man drinking in a pub in Co Clare while holding onto a zebra foal and pony went viral. The images were taken at the Ennistymon Horse Fair and show the man walking through town with the zebra on a strap and later drinking a pint while the animals stand beside him. Zebras are wild animals and there is no legislation to protect them in Ireland, but animal charities are urging for the urgent protection of all exotic species in the country.
My Lovely Horse Animal Rescue expressed concerns for the foal and questioned the whereabouts of the zebra’s mother. The charity has contacted the gardaí to address the issue and prevent exotic animals from being sold freely in Ireland. Three images of the zebra have circulated online, showing it being walked in town, a child approaching to pet it, and the man in the pub with the animals surrounded by members of the public.
Clare Animal Welfare also raised concerns about the situation, calling it cruelty and urging for enforcement of animal welfare laws. The Department of Agriculture and the gardaí have been contacted for comment on the matter. The charity emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of laws to protect animals in Ireland and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
