New legislation for Horse welfare required

Ulster Unionist Assembly member for Fermanagh & South Tyrone, Tom Elliott MLA was shocked after a recent BBC Season Ticket programme found that there is a "strong possibility" that thoroughbred horses could be ending up on the dinner table in Europe and the need for the Executive to introduce new legislation and address the problem of the slaughter of unwanted but healthy horses.

Tom said: "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.

"It is estimated that approx 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.

"In Westminster and the Scottish Assembly Questions have been asked that during the dramatic decline in value of horses during the current economic downturn is leading to welfare problems in the equine industry (it is estimated in 2008 that trade at Irish bloodstock sales fell by 44% from the previous 12 months). Questions must be posed to the industry of the problems of Thoroughbred over-production and the slaughter of unwanted but healthy horses. 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 wish to establish from the Minister of Agriculture, Michelle Gildernew MP of how robust the current legislation which applies to Northern Ireland is in relation to controls/checks over transportation of horses to UK, which in turn are slaughtered and then eaten in Europe. 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 and establish if new legislation is required to cover the welfare of horses"