Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine responds to alleged horse mistreatment in Kildare

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has reacted to the broadcast of the RTÉ Investigates programme 'Horses: Making a Killing', which aired last night (Wednesday, June 12).  

Shannonside Foods Limited, the Straffan-based abattoir featured in the programme, has also said that any allegation of an equine being mistreated 'will be fully investigated by the company.'

Commenting on the alleged animal abuse content portrayed in the programme, a spokesperson for the Department said: "The Department takes the matters of equine welfare and the integrity of the food chain very seriously.

"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."

The spokesperson continued: "This legislation also ensures that appropriate enforcement action is taken by the relevant competent authority where breaches or shortcomings are identified."

"As recognised in the programme for government, robust traceability is essential to ensuring equine welfare and therefore improving equine traceability has been and continues to be a priority for the Department."

"Any reports of welfare or traceability issues received by the Department, are acted upon and investigated as appropriate," they concluded.

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue (Fianna Fáil), also commented on the situation involving Shannonside Foods Ltd.

He said: "I have watched the RTÉ Investigates programme this evening, which included some distressing images.  

"I am taking this matter extremely seriously.

"My Department has already commenced an investigation in recent weeks involving the supply of equines for slaughter, with aspects of the ongoing investigation related to some of the broadcast activities."

Minister McConalogue continued: "Any new allegations or evidence of malpractice or allegations of illegal activity in the equine industry that this programme has brought to light will be thoroughly investigated by my Department."

"It is Department policy to investigate all allegations of illegal or criminal behaviour and prepare files for prosecution where appropriate," he concluded.