The ISPCA welcomes the decision by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) to suspend the licence of Shannonside Foods Ltd license while an investigation is ongoing.
The Society trusts that the investigation into all issues exposed in the programme will be robust, and that steps are taken to ensure that such behaviour does not go undetected again. Under animal welfare legislation, Authorised Officers including DAFM officials are empowered to enter any premises, other than a dwelling, where they have reasonable grounds for believing that an animal is present. The ISPCA is currently in contact with DAFM and has offered assistance to ensure no more horses are at risk.
The slaughter of horses can be a particularly emotive issue for some, but the slaughter of all species represents a significant animal welfare risk and requires proactive management. Animals destined for slaughter, regardless of species, should be entitled to humane handling throughout transport, lairage, and through the slaughter process.
The manner in which Irish horses were treated in the programme was absolutely unacceptable, both morally and legally. There should be consequences for those involved to show that such ill-treatment of animals will not be tolerated.
The ISPCA’s CEO, Dr Cyril Sullivan will look to meet with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine this week, firstly to clarify if any more horses are at risk at the site or in need of rescue, and secondly, to urge him to urgently review live exports generally. The Society is opposed to the live export of all animals for slaughter and advocates that humane slaughter be undertaken as near as possible to the place of rearing or residence.
This programme follows on from another expose by RTE Investigates broadcast in 2023, which revealed how vulnerable Irish calves were treated during transport. The ISPCA believes that the treatment of Irish animals shown in both programmes, both in Ireland and during transport abroad, is damaging to the reputation of the Irish farming industry, and the reputation of the country generally.
