RTÉ Investigates has conducted a thorough examination of the equine industry in Ireland and Europe, uncovering discrepancies in the traceability of thousands of Irish horses each year. The investigation revealed the extent to which some horses go missing, including being given false identities to enter the human food chain illegally.
One significant court case in Marseille highlighted Irish horses as the main source of supply for those involved in slaughtering horses with false identities in France. Despite legal actions taken, those involved continue to operate within the equine industry, raising concerns about the transparency and accountability in the sector.
The research also found links between Irish horses and continental slaughterhouses, including instances where horses from Ireland were unaccounted for in official records. Inefficiencies in tracking systems and fraudulent practices were exposed, prompting calls for a more secure and digitized system to prevent horse trafficking.
European authorities have launched investigations into the issues highlighted by RTÉ Investigates, emphasizing the importance of detecting and addressing fraudulent behavior quickly to ensure food safety and animal welfare.