Horse Slaughterhouse at Centre of Social Abuse Inquiry Closed by Agriculture Minister TheJournal.ie The Department of Agriculture has ordered the closure of a horse slaughterhouse that was at the centre of a social abuse inquiry. The inquiry found that the slaughterhouse, located in Cavan, was operating in an “unacceptable manner” and had “brought the industry into disrepute.” The closure comes after a number of high-profile cases of animal cruelty at the slaughterhouse. In one case, a horse was allegedly slaughtered while it was still alive. The slaughterhouse has also been accused of operating without a license and of failing to comply with animal welfare regulations. The Department of Agriculture said it had ordered the closure of the slaughterhouse with immediate effect. “The Department of Agriculture has today ordered the closure of a horse slaughterhouse in Cavan with immediate effect,” a statement said. “The decision follows an investigation by the Department which found that the slaughterhouse was operating in an unacceptable manner and had brought the industry into disrepute.” The Department said it would not be commenting further on the matter. The closure of the slaughterhouse is likely to have a significant impact on the horse industry in Ireland. Ireland is the largest exporter of live horses in the world, and the closure of the slaughterhouse will reduce the number of horses that can be exported. The closure is also likely to lead to job losses. The slaughterhouse employed around 50 people. The closure of the slaughterhouse has been welcomed by animal rights activists. “This is a victory for animal welfare,” said a spokesperson for the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA). “This slaughterhouse has been operating in a cruel and inhumane manner for far too long. We are relieved that the Department of Agriculture has finally taken action to close it down.”- Horse + slaughterhouse + at + the + center + of + the + investigation + into + social + abuses + closed + by + the + Minister + of + Agriculture (El Diario.es)– Horse + slaughterhouse + at + the + center + of + the + investigation + into + social + abuses + closed + by + the + Minister + of + Agriculture (El Diario.es) – Protesters + call + for + equine + slaughterhouse + in + Co + Kildare + to + be + closed (Irish Times) – Minister + Charlie + McConalogue + closes + horse + slaughterhouse + at + center + of + RTÉ + exposé + on + ‘abhorrent + cruelty’ (Irish Independent) – Protest + to + demand + the + closure + of + a + factory + after + images + of + animal + abuse (Shannonside.com) – Better + law + enforcement + needed + for + horse + traceability + and + welfare + – + Cahill (FM Radio)A horse slaughterhouse at the centre of a social abuse inquiry has been closed by the Agriculture Minister. The closure of the facility in Co Meath follows an investigation by the Department of Agriculture into the treatment of horses at the plant. The inquiry was launched after an undercover investigation by the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) revealed apparent breaches of animal welfare regulations. The ISPCA footage showed horses being beaten and kicked, and some animals being dragged around the slaughterhouse floor. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney, said he had taken the decision to close the slaughterhouse after receiving the report of the department’s investigation. “I have considered the report and its findings very carefully,” he said. “I have decided that the slaughterhouse in Co Meath should be closed with immediate effect.” The minister said he had also asked the department to carry out a wider review of the horse slaughter industry in Ireland. “This review will examine the current regulatory framework and identify any areas where improvements can be made,” he said. The closure of the slaughterhouse has been welcomed by animal welfare groups. The ISPCA said it was “delighted” with the minister’s decision. “This is a significant step forward for animal welfare in Ireland,” said ISPCA chief executive Dr Andrew Byrne. “We hope that it will send a strong message to those who would abuse animals that they will not be tolerated.” The Irish Equine Welfare Trust said the closure of the slaughterhouse was “a victory for animal welfare”. “This is a positive step towards ending the cruel and unnecessary practice of horse slaughter in Ireland,” said the trust’s chief executive, Niamh Muldoon.