Report by UCD professor emeritus used by State to outline horse welfare reforms
1 April 2025
A report by UCD (opens in a new window)Professor Emeritus Paddy Wall has been used by the State to create an action plan for horse welfare reforms.
Professor Emeritus Wall is a former professor in the UCD School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, as well as a vet, doctor and food safety expert.
He was commissioned by the department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to carry out a root and branch review of Ireland’s equine traceability system following the broadcast of an RTÉ Investigates documentary in June 2024.
The documentary detailed abuses of horse welfare in Ireland, as well as illegal activities to launder the identities of horses and compromise the human food chain.
Professor Emeritus Wall’s report includes a series of recommendations to strengthen equine identification, traceability and welfare.
His recommendations include mandatory real-time updates on horse movements, ownership, imports and exports, and deaths.
In addition, the report calls for practical, humane end-of-life solutions for horses, and proposes the establishment of a properly regulated equine slaughter facility in Ireland.
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, published an action plan outlining how the department will implement the proposed reforms.
“Professor Wall has presented an excellent report calling for impactful reform of our equine identification system,” said Minister Heydon.
“I look forward to acting on these proposals so that we can ensure the horrific scenes broadcast in last June’s documentary can never happen again. I am committed to ensuring that the delivery of the vision set out in this report is rooted in transparency and accountability.”
The Minister also highlighted the importance of stakeholder engagement in implementing the recommendations from the Wall report.
“Professor Wall’s review highlights the broad range of stakeholders involved across our equine sector; from owners and breeders to vets and regulators,” he said.
“Implementing a new traceability system fit for a sector committed to high welfare standards and a bright future will be dependent on the willingness of everyone connected to horses engaging with this plan and accepting their responsibilities to ensure their horses are traceable and safe. I am urging everyone to do your part.”
By: Rebecca Hastings, Digital Journalist, UCD University Relations
To contact the UCD News & Content Team, email: newsdesk@ucd.ie
