Findings must be implemented

Sir, - I was extremely sceptical when it was announced that a report into traceability of equines was to be carried out following the shocking revelations of the RTÉ Investigates programme entitled ’Making a Killing’. But I got this totally wrong.

Prof Paddy Wall’s Report on Equine Identification, Registration, and Traceability in Ireland is brilliant, offering a credible analysis of where the equine industry is at.

A report like this was needed to challenge the inertia and hand-wringing found in certain quarters of our industry.

The solutions to issues of welfare, traceability and a proper end-of-life protocol are all here. I am calling on Minister Heydon and the Department of Agriculture to work towards carrying out these recommendations and reforms in full.

Together with industry stakeholders , these measures can help to ensure a sustainable future for all, who are connected with these great animals.

Well done Prof Wall and colleagues! Maith sibhse! - Yours etc.,

Brian Coonan

Equine dental technician,

Co Kildare