Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue has said his department is already investigating the supply of horses for slaughter, after shocking footage of abuse came to light in an RTÉ Investigates programme last night.
Horses: Making a Killing revealed distressing treatment of horses sent for slaughter at a licensed abattoir in Straffan, Co. Kildare.
Speaking after the programme, Donegal Minister Charlie McConalogue said that he was taking the matter extremely seriously.
The Department has already commenced an investigation in recent weeks involving the supply of equines for slaughter, with aspects of the ongoing investigation related to some of the broadcast activities.
Any new allegations or evidence of malpractice or allegations of illegal activity in the equine industry that this programme has brought to light will be thoroughly investigated by the Department.
It is Department policy to investigate all allegations of illegal or criminal behaviour and prepare files for prosecution where appropriate.
