New legislation to protect animals from cruelty

Taking a slash hook to the tendons of horses is an example of one of the appalling cruelties to animals being tackled by the Government in its Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012, according to Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney.

He is also disgusted by the baiting and training elements of dog fighting and cock fighting.

Minister Coveney said: “That garages in urban areas are being prepared for audiences to come and watch two animals rip each other apart is from another era, and even then it was not acceptable.