Laut mehrerer Meldungen sind die Zahlen wohl sehr übertrieben und die Lage bei weitem nicht so dramatisch:
“Recent statements that 20,000 horses are abandoned and neglected in Ireland are exaggerated and cannot be substantiated in any way. There are incidents of straying horses in some urban areas and in other pockets in Ireland. A small number of these horses are neglected which is unacceptable but the perception being created abroad that straying horses are all former racehorses or sport horses that have been abandoned due to the economic decline is not accurate.
“The problem of urban and straying horses is a complex societal issue and one that predates the economic boom and subsequent decline. Legislation to deal with this matter of straying horses, namely The Control of Horses Act was introduced in Ireland as early as 1996.”
Quelle: "Horse Sport Ireland"
Ich denke in den USA ist die Lage dagegen weit schlimmer---