Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 July 2020
146. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will remove inability or vices as grounds to destroy a horse in licensed abattoirs; the number of State veterinarians posted permanently at licensed horse abattoirs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16337/20]
View answerEquine slaughter plants whose meat is destined for human consumption must meet the requirements set out in detailed EU regulations relating to food safety and animal health and welfare.The slaughter process and the handling of equines destined for slaughter at each of the slaughter plants approved by my Department takes place under strictly supervised conditions.
There is an appointed Veterinary Inspector in each slaughter plant during the slaughtering periods in order to carry out regular checks as part of official controls. In addition, each Food Business Operator at the slaughter establishments under the Department’s supervision has a qualified animal welfare officer who oversees the welfare of the animals at the time of slaughter.
The reason an animal is being presented for slaughter is a matter for the owner/keeper of the animal in question. My Department's role in the slaughter of equines for human consumption is to ensure that the animal being presented for slaughter is correctly identified by micro-chip and an accompanying horse passport, together with ensuring the health and welfare of the animal at the time of slaughter, and that there is no impediment to the meat from the animal entering the food-chain.
