Horse Racing Ireland Slams "Disgusting" Mistreatment Of Horses At Equine Abattoir In Straffan

Thursday, 13 June 2024 09:37

By Martin Osborne

The organisation reaffirmed that equine safety and care is its highest priority.

Horse Racing Ireland (HRI), based at The Curragh, has expressed deep shock and revulsion in response to the revelations aired in the RTÉ Investigates documentary broadcast on RTÉ 1 last night.

The documentary unveiled disturbing incidents at Ireland's only equine abattoir based in Straffan.

In an official statement, the Board, management, and staff of HRI condemned the depicted activities, labelling them as "disgusting" and unrepresentative of the broader industry.

"This is not the experience of the vast majority of the 30,000 people who make their livelihood in the horse racing and breeding industry in Ireland," the statement read.

The body emphasised its zero-tolerance policy towards the mistreatment of horses, calling for criminal and regulatory consequences for any individuals found guilty of illegal actions against horses.

The organisation reaffirmed that equine safety and care is its highest priority.

To underline its commitment, HRI highlighted its substantial investment in welfare and integrity services, amounting to €16.1 million this year alone.

The organisation pointed out that the thoroughbred horse holds a protected status under both Irish and EU law, with extensive legal and regulatory measures in place throughout a horse's life, from birth through their racing career.

In light of the documentary's findings, HRI announced it would thoroughly review the issues raised and fully support any investigations led by the Department of Agriculture or An Garda Síochána.

HRI urged anyone with information on horse mistreatment to come forward and report it to the authorities.