Five welfare complaints were received by my Department in relation to the farm adjacent to the slaughter premises mentioned from 2018 onwards. Four related to individual lame horses, and one related to horses in a waterlogged field following a period of heavy rain. All reports were investigated and in no case was a prosecution deemed appropriate. Nothing of the shocking nature and severity of the welfare abuses seen on the television footage had been seen or suspected prior to the airing of the programme.
In relation to equine traceability, there have been ongoing concerns in relation to equine traceability, both nationally and particularly across the EU with a number of investigations supported by Europol and which the Irish authorities provided support to. The controls that the Department applied in respect of equine identification and traceability responded to known and perceived risks. From 2013 onwards a series of measures have been taken in Ireland to improve equine traceability and to make the identification of equines more robust and less capable of manipulation. These measures include the introduction of a central equine database in 2013, improved security features on equine passports in 2014, a requirement to register equine premises in 2014, the introduction of an equine census in 2021, the launch of an online portal that allows for the checking of the validity of equine microchip numbers in 2023, and the provision of funding in 2023 to facilitate the roll-out of e-passport.
Despite these ongoing improvements it is clear at both national level and EU level that further measures are necessary to minimise the ability of those with a criminal intent from attempting to circumvent the system. When my Department or Gardaí find evidence of illegal activity in relation to equine identification they will bring forward cases for prosecution.
In advance of any events highlighted in the recent television programme, investigations led by my Department involving individuals connected to business mentioned and another Garda led investigation into other individuals have both progressed such that prosecution cases will shortly be heard before the courts. It would not be appropriate to comment any further on these matters at this time.
