Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue, which I am taking on behalf of the Minister, Deputy McConalogue.

The footage broadcast last week showing instances of animal cruelty was extremely upsetting. The Minister shares the reaction of viewers and the wider public who were appalled and upset by such a blatant disregard for the welfare of horses. He is certain that the majority of decent people who care for horses will be horrified by the scenes broadcast. It is important to stress that what we saw was potentially criminal behaviour by a number of individuals.

Arising from the information that the Department of agriculture became aware of in recent weeks, it has commenced an investigation into these matters with the support of An Garda Síochána. While it is important to ensure that the process continues without prejudice, the Minister states categorically that the full rigour of the law will be applied and that no stone will be left unturned.

In terms of immediate actions, he issued a notice on 14 June to the slaughter plant concerning the revocation of its approval for the slaughter of equines. The revocation of this food business approval means that the plant must immediately cease operating as an equine slaughter food business. Furthermore, the Department has placed restrictions on two equine holdings linked to the slaughter plant, prohibiting the entry or exit of any animal without prior approval.

It is clear from the documentary that a collective effort across the EU among member states and the Commission is required to improve the traceability system. The Department is committed to assisting in that process along with European colleagues and the Commission.

Protecting animal welfare is important and the Department takes it responsibilities in this regard seriously. The welfare of equines is protected by legislation and appropriate enforcement action is taken where breaches or shortcomings are identified. The Department has in excess of 200 authorised officers under the Animal Health and Welfare Act who carry out welfare inspections in every county. There have been 167 prosecutions taken under the Act since it entered into law in 2013 and a number of other investigations are ongoing.

The welfare of equines is further supported by the Department through its provision of funding to a number of horse projects nationwide, working with local authorities, charities and community stakeholders. Effective traceability is essential for the protection of equine welfare. Ireland’s equine traceability system operates within the requirements set down in EU law and is fully in compliance with those requirements.

In recognition of the importance of traceability to equine welfare, the Department has made improving equine traceability a priority in recent years. There have been a number of significant advances, including the introduction of a central equine database in 2013, followed by improved security features and equine passports in 2014. The Department also made it a legal requirement in 2014 to register all equine premises. In 2021, the first equine census was carried out. This was repeated in 2022 and 2023. A portal to check the validity of equine microchips or passport numbers was launched last year and 2023 also saw the Department provide funding for e-passports, which will help to simplify the updating of information in respect of the movement of equines. These developments, in particular the recent ones relating to technology and e-passports, will continue to move equine traceability forward.

The Department condemns any cruelty to animals. We are taking this matter seriously. An investigation has commenced and no stone will be left unturned in ensuring that the full force of the law applies.

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