WATCH: Shocking video of horse crashing head first into car sparks online controversy

A video of a terrified horse has circulated across social media platforms as the animal can be seen running frantically on a busy road in Dublin.

The horse can be seen crashing into a car as it frantically races up a busy road during a funeral and was left seriously injured.

The handler lost control of the scared animal and the incident has sparked animal welfare concerns online.

A leading animal rescue charity was recently on NewsTalk Breakfast to call for a dedicated Garda-led Animal Welfare Crime Unit in Ireland.

Martina Kenny, Co Founder of My Lovely Horse Rescue, said on Newstalk that the footage was awful and stressful to watch the horse speeding into a car head first during a funeral.

"This is not a one off....you do see sulky races at 5 or 6 in the morning....something has to be done...the damage was pretty bad...we care calling for a dedicated garda animal welfare unit," Martina said.

Martina said that she is aware that the horse is alive but would be in a lot of pain after the road crash.

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She said as far as she is aware a vet was brought on sight to help the horse but other than that the animal is back with it's owner and nothing else is being done.

"Why is it still happening?" she said. "Animal abuse is a crime and should be standing there among the many other crimes.... are we waiting for people to die?.... that was a road traffic offence...it should be dealt as a very serious crime."

When Martina was asked does she think something will actually be done, she said: "Yes there will be on my watch".

The National Animal Rights Association said on Facebook: "Absolutely Sickening! This needs to stop!".

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