I was appalled by an RTÉ Investigates programme on welfare abuses at an equine abattoir in Straffan last night. I unreservedly condemn the distressing scenes we witnessed last night as part of the ‘RTÉ Investigates: Horses – Making a Killing. The welfare of horses is protected by legislation, placing responsibility on owners and those who have animals in their possession or under their control to ensure the animals welfare. It’s important to say that there’s no question that the treatment that we witnessed last night is not representative of the wider equine industry and is not representative of the love and the care that owners of horses display every single day for their animals around this country.I have contacted the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue and his department officials are taking this matter extremely seriously. I understand that the Department has already commenced an investigation in recent weeks involving the supply of equines for slaughter with the support of An Garda Siochana. I am assured that the full force will be applied, where breaches are proven in a court of law.
