asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if his attention has been drawn to a report (details supplied) of the cruel treatment of horses exported from this country to Britain and allegations that some of them were suffering from strangles; whether he has investigated the complaint; and if he will make a statement on the matter and indicate the measures taken to prevent like happenings.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Export of Horses.
60.
I have seen the press report to which the Deputy refers. While I have no direct evidence that the horses concerned were, in fact, exported from this country, it would appear that they form part of a shipment of 31 horses from Dublin to Holyhead on the 19th May. The 31 horses in that consignment were individually inspected by a veterinary inspector of my Department before being permitted to be embarked and were passed as healthy, in good condition and fit to travel. Shipment was effected strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Horses (Carriage by Sea) Order, 1960, and the horses were examined on landing at Holyhead by a veterinary inspector of the British Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food before being allowed to continue their journey.
I am satisfied that the statutory provisions governing the shipment of horses from this country are adequate to protect the animals from avoidable suffering up to the point of landing. Thereafter responsibility for the welfare of the horses rests, of course, with the authorities of the consignee country.