The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says it removed a record number of animals from this year's Ballinasloe Horse Fair.
The charity seized a total of 37 animals, believed to be at risk, at the event.
The ISPCA says six donkeys and two colt foals which were taken into care had been simply discarded as they could not be sold.
28 dogs were also taken into care, with new regulations regarding the docking of puppies’ tails contributing to that number.
However, despite the record numbers, the charity says considerable progress has been made at the fair.
The ISPCA's Chief Inspector Dowling said, “despite the record number of animals removed, we feel that considerable progress has been made at Ballinasloe Fair. The general condition and welfare of the animals at the event was better than ever before.
"While the quality of the equines at the fair was generally very good, with so many people and animals present there is always going to be welfare issues that arise," he added.
