Response contradicts department claim it could not inspect building at equine abattoir

Footage contained in the RT É report, taken at the now-closed abattoir of Shannonside Foods in Straffan, Co Kildare, showed often distressed horses falling and being beaten with metal pipes whilst being herded within that building towards the abattoir. Photo: Eamonn Farrell/© RollingNews.ie

The Department of Agriculture was authorised under Irish animal welfare legislation to investigate a building where horses were revealed to have been abused despite claiming to the contrary.

In the wake of RTÉ's Prime Time Investigates report into different issues affecting horse welfare, broadcast last week, the department said that it was unaware of abuses happening at a building adjoining Ireland’s only licenced horse abattoir as it had no jurisdiction to investigate that building, only the slaughterhouse itself.