Former Operator At Straffan's Equine Abattoir Makes Trespass Complaint To Gardaí About Footage Obtained By RTÉ

Monday, 4 November 2024 11:34

By Hannah Kelly

John Joe Fitzpatrick. Photo: Caroline Norris

Secretly filmed footage at Shannonside Foods Ltd. revealed scenes of cruelty to horses in an RTÉ Investigates programme that aired in June

The former operator of the equine slaughterhouse that was at the centre of an RTÉ Investigates documentary released this year has made a garda complaint of trespass against the programme-makers.

Secretly filmed footage at Shannonside Foods Ltd., Ireland's only equine abattoir based in Straffan, revealed scenes of cruelty to horses in the documentary 'Horses - Making A Killing' that aired in June.

The equine slaughterhouse was subsequently shut down by Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue following the programme, instigating an investigation into the abattoir.

Former operator of Shannonside Foods Ltd., John Joe Fitzpatrick, had his slaughter licence revoked in the aftermath of the documentary.

Now, Mr Fitzpatrick has claimed to have reported RTÉ to Naas gardaí for "illegal trespass" on his property to obtain the footage that led to the closure of the Straffan-based abattoir.

Mr Fitzpatrick denies allegations made against the equine abattoir, and has said "that complaint is about the RTÉ Investigates programme. Nobody has permission to go in there".

RTÉ, in response to questions, said it became aware of Fitzpatrick's complaint a number of months ago.

"RTÉ fully stands over the investigation and programme which demonstrated a clear public interest", said RTÉ.

Since the broadcast of the documentary, animal welfare officers received a spike in calls from people raising cruelty concerns.

The Department of Agriculture said there was a 35% increase of animal welfare complaint calls between January - July this year when comparing them to last years figures.

60 calls were received about the treatment of horses at Shannonside Foods in Straffan.