NAS Carabinieri Cosenza: clandestine horse slaughter discovered, one arrest and five people reported.

The Carabinieri of Nas of Cosenza, during a health and hygiene inspection carried out inside a slaughterhouse in the Crotone area, they discovered a extensive clandestine activity of killing and slaughtering horses, culminating with an arrest e five people reported to the competent Judicial Authority.

The operation is part of a wider investigation coordinated by the Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Crotone, aimed at protecting public health and combating illegal slaughter.

Thirteen horses slaughtered without any traceability

During the inspection it emerged that violation of seals of the plant – already in bankruptcy proceedings – and the slaughter of 13 horses completely unknown to the national registry.

The military found that: 10 horses were without any identification; 3 had microchips which classified them as non-DPA (not intended to produce food), presumably competition or pet animals.

Everyone was without health documentation intended for introduction into the food supply chain.

These conditions would have led to the sale on the market of potentially dangerous meat, coming from animals that may have been subjected to uncontrollable pharmacological treatments incompatible with food use.

Ill-treatment and unlawful killing

According to investigators, the horses would have been subjected to cruel treatment, to the point of causing death, in a context not allowed e not recognized for slaughter.

The following crimes are thus configured: mistreatment and killing of animals, trade in meat that is dangerous to health, violation of seals, participation in illegal slaughtering activities.

The plant – along with machinery, meat and vehicles used for transport and distribution – was completely seized for an estimated value of over 3 million euros.

The arrested person is the judicial custodian of the plant, while among the five reported also appears the owner of the structure.

The Veterinary Service of theASP of Crotone, who intervened on site, took samples and sent them to theZooprophylactic Institute of Catanzaro to verify:

• presence of active pharmacological ingredients,

• any zoonoses,

• additional health risk profiles.

Over 3.000 kg of dangerous meat stolen from consumption

Thanks to the timely intervention of the NAS Carabinieri, over 3 tons of meat potentially risky for the health of consumers have not been placed on the market.

Investigations continue to reconstruct the equine supply network and the clandestine distribution chain of the meats.