The number of Irish racehorses slaughtered in English abattoirs nearly quadrupled in 2024, reaching 538—accounting for 90% of all thoroughbreds processed in UK meat factories last year.
This sharp increase follows the closure of Ireland’s only licensed equine abattoir, Shannonside Foods, in June 2024. Data from the British Food Standards Agency (FSA) reveals that an average of 18 thoroughbred horses per month were slaughtered in England during the first half of the year. However, following the closure of Shannonside Foods, the figure surged to 82 per month in the latter half of 2024.
The total number of equines slaughtered in England more than doubled to 1,439 last year, with 782 of these horses carrying Irish passports. Among them, 582 had Weatherby’s passports, confirming their status as thoroughbreds, with 308 aged five or younger.
In addition to the Irish equines slaughtered in England, 919 horses were killed at Shannonside Foods before its closure, 647 of which were thoroughbreds. Meanwhile, 256 Irish horses were exported to French abattoirs after receiving certification from Ireland’s Department of Agriculture.
Industry and Welfare Groups Express Concerns
Animal welfare advocates have condemned the practice of transporting Irish racehorses long distances for slaughter. Dene Stansall, a horse racing consultant with Animal Aid, described the situation as "indefensible," criticizing the lack of governmental action to protect equine welfare.
“There appears to be little action or focused strategy from the government, which is deeply concerning from a horse welfare perspective,” Stansall told the Irish Mirror. “There should be a legal duty to alleviate suffering across the equine sector rather than leaving horses’ lives at the mercy of a free-trade market.”
Nine Coppleston-Hawkins, campaign manager at Animal Aid, accused the racing industry of failing in its duty of care.
“These figures make a mockery of claims that the industry prioritizes horse welfare,” she said. “Slaughter is not euthanasia. There is nothing humane about squeezing every last penny from an animal until the moment it dies.”
Response from Horse Racing Ireland
A spokesperson for Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) reiterated the organization's stance that retirement from racing should not equate to the end of a horse’s life.
“HRI does not believe that the end of a racing career means the end of life,” the spokesperson said. “We continue to promote humane euthanasia at home as the kindest option for owners facing these difficult decisions.”
The latest statistics have reignited the debate on the ethical responsibilities of the horse racing industry, as calls grow for increased regulation and welfare oversight to ensure a more humane approach to retired racehorses
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