Nortern Ireland-The horse slaughter debate.

NORTHERN IRELAND-Call for new legislation on slaughter of healthy horses

A recent BBC ’Season Ticket’ programme which found a "strong possibility" that thoroughbred horses from Northern Ireland could be ending up on the dinner table in Europe has shocked the local UUP Assembly member, Tom Elliott.

He is now urging the NI Executive to introduce new legislation and address the problem of the slaughter of unwanted but healthy horses.

He commented: "Horses are magnificent animals, and for a nation of horse lovers, many people will be deeply alarmed at the number of unwanted horses that are being shipped from Northern Ireland to the South of England for slaughter before being shipped to Europe for human consumption."

The BBC programme estimated that approximately 18,000 foals are born into Irish and British racing industries each year, yet only 40% go on to race. Some horses that do not make the grade are used in other equestrian events, but many go for slaughter or repeatedly change hands in a downward spiral of neglect.

Mr Elliott noted that MP’s and Scottish MLA’s had referred to the dramatic decline in value of horses during the current economic downturn, leading to welfare problems in the equine industry.

" It is imperative that the industry works with government to deal with the suggested over-production of thoroughbreds in the near future; otherwise this very lucrative industry may face major problems in the future."

"I will be asking: is there any level of traceability of any of these animals and medical histories before they leave Northern Ireland? I intend to raise this issue with the Minister".