Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 June 2024
221. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has full confidence in his Department’s officials who were on the premises where the mistreatment and abuse of horses took place, as revealed in a recent RTE TV documentary investigating the mistreatment of horses in County Kildare; and his plans to ensure that this horrific cruelty is never repeated again. [27701/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe footage shown in the TV reports focuses on activities at a holding close to the slaughter plant but which does not form part of the approved premises. No deficiencies have been identified with the inspections and controls operated by my Department ‘s officials at the approved slaughter facility
The alleged serious welfare practices involving the mistreatment of horses on the adjoining premises are under investigation by my Department with the support of An Garda Siochana. We have asked RTE to provide us with all available footage and any other evidence that they may have, and arrangements for this handover are in train.
