asked the Minister for Agriculture whether, in view of the desirability of encouraging the Irish abattoirs to the greatest possible degree and in view of the suffering of the animals concerned, he will without delay introduce a total ban on the export of horses for slaughter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Export of Horses for Slaughter.
9.
I do not propose to impose a total ban on the export of horses for slaughter.
Apart from the suffering to the animals concerned, is the Minister not aware that all humane-minded people throughout these islands and on the Continent of Europe are deeply distressed and concerned about this continued policy of exporting horses from this country and that it is bringing our country into disrepute? Furthermore, since there are abattoirs available in this country for processing horse flesh, would the Minister not consider that it is high time this policy was abolished?
I do not think there is any strong feeling or any agitation against the export of horses as it is carried out at the moment.
Indeed there is.