Shannonside Foods

Shocking Animal Welfare Abuses Uncovered in Irish Horse Abattoir

Exclusive! Sinn Féin and Minister at Loggerheads Over Abattoir Control

In a recent development, Sinn Féin's Agriculture spokesperson, Claire Kerrane, has urged the Minister for Agriculture to intervene and take control of Shannonside Foods abattoir, following shocking revelations of animal welfare abuses in a documentary. The documentary, 'RTÉ Investigates: Horses – Making a Killing,' exposed distressing scenes of horses being mistreated before slaughter. Horse Racing Ireland expressed shock and disgust at the revealed abuses, sparking a nationwide debate. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is now under pressure to investigate the supply chain of horses for slaughter.

Minister Charlie McConalogue has pledged a thorough investigation into the appalling treatment of horses in the abattoir. Footage from the documentary showed horses subjected to inhumane acts, including physical violence and abuse. Sinn Féin has demanded immediate action, calling for the Department to take over the operations of the controversial abattoir. The Republic's agriculture minister strongly condemned the distressing images captured in the investigative programme, highlighting the urgency of addressing the issue.

Notably, the documentary marks the first part of a series focusing on Shannonside Foods Ltd, Ireland's only active horse slaughter facility. The revelations have led to calls for stricter regulations in the horse racing industry and a reevaluation of animal welfare standards in abattoirs nationwide.