In June 2024, the RTÉ Investigates documentary Horses - Making a Killing exposed severe loopholes in equine traceability and animal welfare. The programme clamed that up to 20,000 Irish horses go missing each year, alongside widespread passport tampering, illegal re-microchipping, and severe cruelty at Ireland's only licensed equine abattoir.

The programme prompted the Dept of Agriculture to commission Professor Paddy Wall to conduct a root-and-branch review of the country’s equine traceability systems. The Wall Report proposed a series of recommendations aimed at strengthening equine welfare and traceability.

The Dept of Agriculture says that 23 of the 31 actions scheduled for completion in 2025 were delivered by March 2026. But have horse owners and keepers noticed many changes?

Ahead of the 2026 Dublin Horse Show, The Irish Field is asking industry participants for their views. You are invited to complete our confidential survey below. The survey closes on Wednesday, July 29th and the findings will be presented to and discussed by industry stakeholders at the Dublin Horse Show. A report on that event will be carried in The Irish Field on Saturday, August 8th.

CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY