An illegal sheep-processing plant in Co Louth was uncovered yesterday by the Special Investigations Unit of the Department of Agriculture and Food. Officers raided the plant where sheep were being killed and processed on unlicensed premises shortly after 6 p.m. and seized 24 sheep carcasses.
A Department of Agriculture spokesman said the carcasses had been taken away for destruction and the Garda called in to carry on the investigation. He said the team had been acting on a tip-off.
The investigation would now focus on outlets to which the sheepmeat was being supplied, and appropriate legal action would be taken against the operators, the spokesman said. Animals can only be legally slaughtered on licensed premises when a veterinary inspector is present.
