THE Irish Field learned this week that the discovery of horses with multiple microchips at a Co Kilkenny abattoir led to the Special Investigations Unit being called in.

The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) operate under the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

It’s understood that the multiple microchips were found in the horses on Wednesday in a plant in the Co Kilkenny area, and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, was immediately alerted.

A spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine told The Irish Field yesterday: “The Department cannot comment on ongoing investigations.”

It’s understood that the primary concern from such a finding is ultimately the integrity and protection of Ireland’s valuable meat trade.

Horsemeat that is passed fit for human consumption is exported from Ireland, mainly to Belgium, France and The Netherlands.