An investigation is under way after a sulky race took up four lanes of a motorway in Co Dublin at the weekend.
Video footage on social media shows two horses and carts travelling at speed down the inbound lane of the N7 motorway in Citywest.
Gardaí say they are aware of the video and have asked anyone with information to contact them.
The Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has said it is appalled by the footage of two horses in a sulky race on the N7.
Video of the events, purportedly to have at the weekend, has been shared on social media.
It shows two sulkies racing on the motorway surrounded by cars and vans.
This is appalling. Sulky racing in Dublin. Appears to be near City West by Brown's Barn on the Naas Road inbound. pic.twitter.com/aHLYZyClU6
— Niall O'Connor (@NI_ALLO) February 19, 2020
Today, Brian Gillen from the DSPCA said the situation was very serious from an animal welfare point of view.
He said horses running on such hard surfaces at speed could easily result in a slip, which ultimately could mean they would have to be put down.
He also said it was a societal problem and said more facilities and training needed to be provided for those who want to race.
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RTÉ News spoke to a 28-year-old man, who did not want to be identified, who said he was one of those who took part.
He said the race lasted around four minutes and took place at around 7.40am on Sunday. He also said that particular stretch was a popular spot for sulky racing.
The man said his horse was being well looked after and was minded and was in perfect health afterwards.
Asked about the potential harm that could have been caused, he said maybe it was dangerous but that was the sport.
He said he grew up in the sport and did not race in tracks because he did not have a licence.
The Road Safety Authority has said the the behaviour was irresponsible and said it put people's lives at risk. Gardaí said they were investigating the incident.
Additional reporting Conor Hunt
