An investigation in Ireland has shone a spotlight on the welfare of horses and how their meat can enter the food chain. Traceability, misuse of microchips, and fake passport issues were raised in a program by Irish broadcaster RTÉ , including undercover footage and microchip record analysis. In response, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) said the welfare of horses is protected by legislation, placing responsibility on owners and those who have animals in their possession or under their control.
“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,” said Charlie McConalogue, Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine. DAFM suspended the license of Shannonside Foods, Ireland’s only abattoir for horses, while the investigation is ongoing. The site was featured in the RTÉ broadcast.
The Irish parliament also debated the subject, and allegations were made that microchips were being inserted into horses to create false identities. “We have strict laws in this country concerning the welfare of animals as well as the traceability of animals. My department is already working with the gardaí [Irish Police] to investigate those particular instances, and the full rigors of the law will be applied concerning that.
It will also be important to work across Europe to ensure the cross-European system is robus.
