Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 June 2012
533 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if it is the case that a significant number of horses are slaughtered in abattoirs each year here; if so, if he will indicate the number that were slaughtered in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012; if any of these horses were registered as thoroughbreds with Horse Racing Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28014/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of horses slaughtered in Department approved abattoirs between 2008 and 2012 is set out in the table below:
|
Year |
Number |
|
2008 |
2,002 |
|
2009 |
3,220 |
|
2010 |
7,296 |
|
2011 |
12,575 |
|
2012 (up to 30th April) |
3,956 |
There are also a number of smaller horse abattoirs which operate under the supervision of local authorities — these are not included in the above table.
My Department does not keep records as to whether horses being slaughtered are registered as thoroughbreds with Horse Racing Ireland.
