Officials have criticised the “horrific abuse” of an animal seen being “whipped aggressively” as three horse-and-carts were raced on a motorway.
Shocking footage shows three riders racing along Ireland's M3 motorway between Dublin and Meath.
The video, filmed from a car following behind the horse-and-carts, has been widely shared on social media, with witnesses encouraged to contact Gardai by an animal rights group.
The racers were also accused of putting motorists at risk by Ireland's minister for justice.
Animal welfare group Animal Law Ireland were among those to share the footage on Twitter, writing: "3 horse harness race (sulky race) on the M3 this morning on the @meathcoco @Fingalcoco border.
"1 horse being whipped aggressively. If you saw this race, contact Gardaí."
Minister for Justice Simon Harris responded to the footage online calling it "horrific abuse" of animals, the Irish Mirror reported.
Taking to Twitter on Sunday, Minister Harris wrote: "I have seen online video of an appalling incident of 3 horse harness race/sulky race on the M3 this morning. Horrific abuse of animals and a major danger to motorists.
"If anyone has any information on this, please report it to Gardai to ensure this can be fully pursued."
Animal Law Ireland replied to Minister Harris' Tweet, writing: "Thank you for calling out this video.
"These races are happening on the M3 on a regular basis. There are no cameras on the stretch of road used.
"Races used to be common on the N7, but Gardaí carried out regular patrols to deter.
"These races happen in many locations in [Ireland]."
