There are renewed calls for sulky racing to be taken off Waterford's roads, after a horse collapsed on Saturday afternoon on the Outer Ring Road in the City.
The animal was pulling a sulky when it's understood it collapsed.
However, what caused the animal to collapse is unknown at this time.
"We've been saying this for years and years and years," Councillor John Hearne told Déise Today, speaking in general terms about sulkies, "that it is cruel on animals running on the road.
"It destroys their health, it has no benefits for them.
"We need to just say that it's a cruel sport. Take it off the roads. Get it regulated like it is in America - it's a big business in America.
"Regulate it like the horse racing industry. Let vets check them out - look after animals.
"I think we really need to rethink our whole thought process on animals."
Waterford Gardaí have now confirmed to WLR News that a detective came across the scene and called for a vet.
After an initial assessment, the animal was removed to a sanctuary where it is now receiving treatment.
An investigation is now underway into suspected animal cruelty and Gardaí are appealing for anyone who witnessed the events on Saturday at approximately 2pm on the Airport Road, to contact them on 051 305300.
Over the years, there have been many calls for sulkies to be banned from public road and for further legislation to be brought in around them.
"I put a motion in the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis in Derry a couple of years ago and we said we will regulate it when we take power because there's just no excuse in this day and age to be treating animals badly.
"[The horse] could have had a heart attack, you just don't know and you can't prejudge things.
"But what we're saying is, the fact he is running on the road at all is cruel."
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