Minister promises action following RTE investigation into equine industry

Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue has promised action after last night’s investigation into the equine industry aired.

In an RTE Investigates, the broadcaster premiered part one of Horses: Making a Killing, and since its release has seen both Horse Racing Ireland and Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue speak out.

The shocking documentary showed scenes of animal mistreatment as RTE used hidden cameras to expose the treatment. Part Two of the documentary will air tonight on RTE One at 9.35 pm.

READ MORE: RTE viewers left ‘speechless’ after investigative documentary into horse industry

Speaking on Morning Ireland, Minister McConalogue branded the treatment of animals as ‘unacceptable’ and that the ‘the full rigors of the law’ will be applied.

He added that ‘The scenes we saw last night and the treatment of horses were abhorrent and distressing. Horse are beautiful, sensitive animals and it was absolutely unacceptable.’

Minister McConalogue also revealed that an investigation has been launched after receiving evidence.

“I can assure the public that this will be fully investigated and the full rigors of the law will be applied. here”

Horse Racing Ireland released a statement late last night following the broadcast saying they were ‘deeply shocked and appalled’ by the investigation.

The authority added ‘The criminal behaviour depicted in the RTÉ documentary is disgusting and is not the experience of the vast majority of the 30,000 people who make their livelihood in the horse racing and breeding industry in Ireland.

‘HRI has zero tolerance for mistreatment of horses in any circumstance and criminal and regulatory sanction must be imposed on anyone found to have behaved in an illegal way towards horses. HRI will review the issues raised in the RTÉ documentary and will actively support any Department of Agriculture or Garda investigation’.

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