asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will now take steps to ban the export of live horses for slaughter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Export of Horses for Slaughter.
Mr. Walsh
I see no reason to alter the position as indicated in detail by my predecessor in reply to questions on the subject on 8th June, 1948.
Is the Minister aware of the very terrible conditions that have come to light since that date, apart from the cruelties suffered by horses in the actual journey across to France? I should like the Minister to realise that reports have now come to hand of the appalling conditions under which these horses, which were sold in Dublin and which were formerly Irish racehorses, were brought across to France, suffering hardship on the way and then were brought up to Paris where at the Vaugireard abattoir, they were put to death under what can only be described as appalling conditions. Mares in foal were half-killed and whilst they were being killed other horses were brought into the chamber. The details, which I have received from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and from the International League for the Protection of Horses, have been absolutely vouched and are almost beyond belief. The cruelty, brutality and suffering which these horses undergo are something that no Irish person can read of without very great emotion. I am sure the Minister is not aware of these new facts and, in view of what has transpired, I would ask him to look into the question very closely to see what he can do, if necessary to the extent of making representations to the French Government concerning these conditions. We owe so much to the horse industry in Ireland that it seems a terrible thing that we should subject our horses, when they are old and unfit for further work here, to these conditions. They are really terrible.
Would the Minister undertake to investigate the complaints that have been made and would he also consider it desirable to promote the establishment of an industry here for the conversion of old horse meat into suitable by-products?
Mr. Walsh
I promise to have the matter investigated. I have not seen the report.
It is beyond belief.
Would the Minister consider the enforcement of a stricter veterinary test before the horses are exported?
Mr. Walsh
We have a strict veterinary test for horses before they are shipped and we have not had anybody standing up to prove that we had not. These are the first cases we had.
The serious aspect is the conditions after the horses leave these shores when they are outside our control. These conditions are very bad and the only way we can deal with them is to forbid the export of such horses.
Mr. Walsh
The only thing I can say is that, as far as our side is concerned, we see that everything is perfect for the horses before they are put on ship and as to the conditions under which they are transhipped.
Did the Minister read in yesterday's paper the appalling report of the conditions under which 29 donkeys were exported to Italy? These animals were stated to have arrived in England in a condition which did not permit of their being transported further. A number had to be shot on the spot and others are being destroyed to-day. All this makes shameful reading from an Irish point of view. Will he take steps to control this trade?
Question No. 123.