Mr. Michael Sheahan:

On the animals that came into the slaughter plant, going back over many years, many experienced vets have checked every animal. Every animal that comes in is checked by the vet in charge of the plant.

I have talked to our vet who is there at present. He is a vastly experienced equine vet with great experience at home and abroad and he has assured me that in all his time there, all the animals which have come into that plant have been in good condition. Obviously, I cannot explain what happens next door or why they were doing-----