Operations suspended at equine abattoir following animal abuse allegations

The abattoir in Straffan, Co Kildare featured in an RTÉ 'Primetime Investigates' show recently. Picture: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie

Operations at the country’s only equine abattoir has been suspended as Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue pledged to “leave no stone unturned” in investigating allegations of animal abuse at the facility.

The move comes after allegations of abuse of horses in a holding area adjacent to the facility, operated by Shannonside Foods Ltd in Straffan, Co Kildare, on Primetime Investigates last week.

Footage from secret cameras showed horses being repeatedly punched around the head, whipped, and struck with long lengths of plastic piping on the broadcast.

One horse was seen collapsing. It was later prodded with a pitchfork and died hours later.

In a statement, the Department of Agriculture confirmed on Sunday that operations have been suspended.

“In addition, the department can confirm that the slaughter plant is currently subject to a legal notice detaining all carcasses presented for slaughter last week,” the statement added. 

“In late May, the department issued a legal notice prohibiting the presence or entry of horses to the adjacent holding premises where much of the distressing footage was filmed.” 

The department said that an investigation into activities involving the supply of equines for slaughter is in progress “arising from information” provided in recent weeks.

“My department is actively investigating the absolutely abhorrent mistreatment of animals and suspected criminality we witnessed on the RTÉ Primetime Investigates programme that aired this week,” Mr McConalogue said.

“This is being done with the full support of An Garda Síochána.

“This is an active investigation, and while it is vitally important that I ensure that process continues without prejudice, I am stating categorically that the full rigour of the law will be applied where warranted, and no stone left unturned.” 

He added: “I can confirm that the following actions have been taken: No animals have entered the food chain from this slaughter plant in the past three weeks, all carcasses that were presented for slaughter last week are detained and the operation of the plant is now fully suspended.” 

Mr McConalogue said he is committed to building on actions to improve equine traceability and ensure the highest standards of equine welfare.

“In this regard, it is very clear that a collective effort across the European Union, among Member States and the Commission is required to further improve the traceability system,” he said. 

“My immediate priority, however, is to ensure that the full force of the law is brought to bear in relation to these matters.” 

Following the broadcast, former Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney told the Dáil last week that the European Commission has now issued an alert for horses slaughtered in Ireland, Italy, and Spain because it is “convinced there is evidence that animals that should have been removed from the food chain have not been removed”.