The number of horses slaughtered in Ireland last year fell from 24,362 horses in 2012 to less than 11,000 in 2013, according to the Department of Agriculture. Just 10,711 horses were slaughtered in two licensed plants during 2013, compared to 24,362 horses in 2012.

The dramatic fall in horse slaughtering follows the Europe-wide horsemeat scandal and a tightening of animal identification procedures at equine slaughter premises.