Probe into claims of illicit meat sold in Donegal

Added: 09-01-2012

Its understood an investigation has been launched into reports of the illicit slaughter of cattle and distribution of beef from back-street abattoirs in areas along the Border.

According to reports in the Irish Examiner Its believed the Department of Agriculture is working with farming organisations to investigate claims that cut-price door-to-door meat sales took place in several towns and villages in the North-east and North-west prior to Christmas.

Department of Agriculture officials are believed to have already led a number of raids in the Donegal area in a bid to detect illegal slaughterhouses.

Further searches are believed to be planned in the wider Border area in the coming days.

Ocean Fm news is awaiting a statement from the department this morning who have yet to confirm or comment on the speculation.

The Irish Farmers' Association and other farming groups have joined in condemning the illicit trade in which the beef "pirates" are believed to be engaged.