Sinn Féin’s Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty has said an RTÉ Investigates programme that highlighted “shocking abuse” – including the “repeated beating of dying horses” – demands “immediate action and accountability”.
In recent weeks the Department of Agriculture and gardaí conducted searches at Shannonside Foods Ltd in Straffan, Co Kildare – and other properties which are associated with the family of John Joe Fitzpatrick, who operates the business.
The investigations commenced arising from practices uncovered as part of wide-ranging investigation into the Irish and European equine industries by RTÉ Investigates
Mr Doherty asked how no welfare issues had been reported on the days mistreatment took place, even though it happened “under the very nose of the Department of Agriculture inspector”.
The Donegal TD said it is “very clear” that the law has been broken and supervision of this site was inadequate.
Referring to RTÉ Investigates, Labour TD Duncan Smith asked how the public be reassured that the same bad practices are not continuing to happen elsewhere in the country.
Minister for Finance Michael McGrath said he was “sickened and appalled” at what was contained in last night’s programme, adding it is now the subject of a “thorough investigation” by the Department of Agriculture.
He confirmed to the Dáil that there is engagement with the European Commission and he promised “full cooperation” with national authorities with that investigation.
However, the Minister said it would appear that “the appalling mistreatment” of horses was happening in a “holding building”, rather than the slaughter house which is regulated and departmental inspectors are present.
He said the government “unreservedly condemns” what was shown in the programme, adding the “full force of law” will apply if breaches are proven in court.
It was a “cause of real concern” that questions arise around public health, given there was a misuse of microchips and passports, the minister added.
Mr McGrath said he did not believe “for a moment” that what appeared in last night’s programme is representative of the wider equine industry.
He said a lot of people in the horse industry are “hurt and angry” today, at the actions of a “very very small number of people” who engaged in such shocking practices.
Last night, Horse Sport Ireland, which maintains the Irish horse register, said it “unequivocally condemns the practices surrounding the treatment and slaughter of horses”, as outlined in the RTÉ Investigates documentary.
“Horse Sport Ireland welcomes a full investigation into the deeply troubling issues highlighted by the programme, and will offer its full assistance to any such investigation,” it said.
Read more: Minister pledges ‘full rigors of law’ in Irish equine investigation
