The Department of Agriculture said there was a 35% increase of animal welfare complaint calls between January - July this year.
Animal welfare officers received a spike in calls from people raising cruelty concerns following an RTÉ documentary about an abattoir for horses according to The Irish Independent.
The Department of Agriculture said there was a 35% increase of animal welfare complaint calls between January - July this year when comparing them to last years figures.
60 calls were received about the treatment of horses at Shannonside Foods in Co.Kildare.
Undercover footage revealed the insertion of fake identification microchips into horses, along with the use of spray paint to alter their appearance, this raised significant concerns regarding the traceability of these animals.
The Department of Agriculture noted a substantial rise in the number of animal welfare concerns reported nationwide this year.
The primary regions where reports were filed from January - August 2024 include; Dublin, Kildare, Limerick, Galway and Mayo.
Notably, Kildare has risen to second highest area for complaints due to the additional 60 complaints stemming from Prime Time - RTÉ investigates.
Department officials said this investigation, being carried out in conjunction with the Garda's National Bureau of Criminal Investigation unit, is a priority.
"Further follow-up with individuals of interest will be undertaken."
Shannonside Foods will be 1 of 2 separate investigations carried out by Gardaí and animal welfare officers, on the concerns raised about the treatment of horses.
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