Sinn Féin spokesperson on Agriculture Claire Kerrane TD has called for a clear and definite time-frame for the completion of the Department of Agriculture’s investigation into abuse of horses at the Shannonside Foods’ abattoir as shown on Prime Time Investigates last week.
Raising the issue in the Dáil today, Teachta Kerrane said:
“We were all horrified at the horrific abuse of horses shown on Prime Time Investigates last week.
“I welcome the shutdown of the abattoir and the investigation now underway.
“However, on said investigation, many of us will remember similar abuse of calves in marts highlighted on Prime Time Investigates last July, there was a similar outcry at the abuse shown at that time, and I have been seeking updates on that investigation since.
“I have learned this morning from a reply to me from Minister McConalogue that the investigation into that abuse is still ongoing and that the Department are still “gathering evidence” almost a year later.
“This begs the question how long will the investigation into the latest animal welfare abuses take. Will the Department still be gathering evidence this time next year?
“When it comes to animal welfare abuses, we need to see timely and prompt investigations with a clear outcome and clear actions as well as consequences. Otherwise, where is the accountability?
“I am calling on the Minister to provide a clear and definite time-frame on the current ongoing investigation. I presume he has given those leading the investigation within his Department a time-frame for completion of that work, he should share that.”
Proud to stand with the largest team of Sinn Féin TDs in over 100 years.
We are more determined than ever to deliver real change for workers, families, and communities across the island.
We’re back in Leinster House today with the largest team of Sinn Féin TDs in over 100 years.
A team of 39 TDs with the energy, determination, and commitment to deliver for working people. We want to thank the hundreds of thousands of people who voted for Sinn Féin and for real…
This is the biggest group of Sinn Féin TDs to enter Leinster House in over a century
We are here to work for you, we are in your corner and we will never ever give up on our mission to create an equal, a fair and a united Ireland
The work of winning a better future for all continues right now – @MaryLouMcDonald
"We are in the corner of ordinary people. We have your back, and we are not giving up."
