Horrifying scenes of brutal remedy of horses stored in appalling circumstances and a complete systemic failure that places human security in danger had been highlighted in a surprising investigation by RTÉ.
The RTÉ Investigates documentary, “Horses – Making a Killing”, aired on 12 June with an extra report in RTÉ Prime Time on 13 June. Amongst its findings had been instances of horses’ identities being laundered, terrible circumstances through which 26 horses had been discovered at Dover (information, 6 June), plus horrific undercover footage.
A part of the programme featured covert recordings from a holding web site linked to Eire’s solely equine abattoir, Shannonside Meals in Co. Kildare, confirmed situations of a horse having markings modified with spray paint, of what gave the impression to be re-microchipping, and horrific remedy of equines.
Shannonside Meals Ltd mentioned any allegation of an equine being mistreated “can be absolutely investigated by the corporate”.
When H&H went to press on Monday (17 June), operations on the abattoir had been absolutely suspended.
The programme’s footage is critical for 2 primary causes – the appalling remedy of animals, and the dangers to human well being of consuming meat from horses which were signed out the meals chain. It additionally showcased the numerous flaws in traceability of horses, together with issues with the outdated and fragmented paper passport system.
A spokesperson for Eire’s Division of Agriculture, Meals and the Marine (DAFM) advised H&H that an investigation into actions involving the availability of equines for slaughter is in progress, with assist from An Garda Síochána (nationwide police).
They added that the DAFM has suspended the operation of the plant, and that the plant is presently topic to a authorized discover detaining all carcases introduced for slaughter final week. The spokesperson additionally mentioned that in late Could, the division issued a authorized discover prohibiting the presence or entry of horses to the adjoining holding premises, the place a lot of the distressing footage was filmed.
The spokesperson mentioned the constructing the place nearly all of the hidden digicam footage was filmed doesn’t type a part of the DAFM-approved slaughter plant, including that it “will not be the lairage of the plant and never topic to direct veterinary supervision” underneath related laws.
“The division doesn’t have a everlasting presence on equine or different farmed animal holdings, however any officer of the division authorised underneath the Animal Well being and Welfare Act has the authority to enter and examine premises the place points come up. All individuals holding horses are required to have an equine premises registration quantity,” mentioned the spokesperson.
“The division can’t present any additional touch upon these issues as they continue to be topic to lively investigation.”
DAFM minister Charlie McConalogue added: “That is an lively investigation, and whereas it’s vitally vital that I be sure that course of continues with out prejudice, I’m stating categorically that the total rigour of the regulation can be utilized the place warranted, and no stone left unturned.
“And whereas, because of this, I can’t remark intimately on the investigation, I can verify that the next actions have been taken: no animals have entered the meals chain from this slaughter plant up to now three weeks, all carcases that had been introduced for slaughter final week are detained and the operation of the plant is now absolutely suspended.
“I’m dedicated to constructing on the actions already taken to enhance our equine traceability and make sure the highest requirements of equine welfare. On this regard, it is extremely clear {that a} collective effort throughout the European Union, amongst member states and the fee is required to additional enhance the traceability system.
“My speedy precedence nevertheless is to make sure that the total pressure of the regulation is delivered to bear in relation to those issues.”
The practices and conditions dropped at gentle have been extensively condemned, together with by Horse Sport Eire and Horse Racing Eire.
World Horse Welfare has known as for “pressing motion to be taken by governments and authorities”, and has additionally launched a petition to members of European Parliament.
Charity chief govt Roly Owers mentioned that “what we witnessed was outrageous and proof that, effectively over a decade on, the horse meat scandal by no means actually ended”.
“These horses had been let down in each method potential by an inherently flawed system and we hope that the disgust generated by the programme, alongside the meals security issues, can be channelled into sensible motion by EU and UK authorities,” he mentioned.
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Credit score: Future
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