S.I. No. 84/1958 - Agricultural Produce (Fresh Meat) (Horse-Flesh) Regulations, 1958.

S.I. No. 84 of 1958.

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE (FRESH MEAT) (HORSE-FLESH) REGULATIONS, 1958.

I, Patrick Smith, Minister for Agriculture, in exercise of the powers conferred on me by sections 18 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 34 and 51 of the Agricultural Produce (Fresh Meat) Act, 1930 (No. 10 of 1930), hereby make the following regulations :

PART I. PRELIMINARY.

1.—(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Agricultural Produce (Fresh Meat) (Horse-flesh) Regulations, 1958.

(2) These Regulations shall come into operation on the 27th day of March, 1958.

2. In these Regulations—

" the Act " means the Agricultural Produce (Fresh Meat) Act, 1930 (No. 10 of 1930), in so far as it applies or relates to horse-flesh and the offals of horses,

" the Minister " means the Minister for Agriculture.

3. The Interpretation Act, 1937 (No. 38 of 1937), applies to these Regulations.

PART II. PLANT AND EQUIPMENT OF HORSE SLAUGHTERING PREMISES.

4. Every horse slaughtering premises proposed to be registered in the register of horse slaughtering premises shall be equipped with the plant and equipment specified in the First Schedule hereto.

PART III. PREPARATION, ETC., OF HORSE-FLESH AND OFFALS OF HORSES.

5.—(1) Horses the flesh of which is intended for export shall be assembled and penned for slaughter in accordance with the provisions of Part I of the Second Schedule hereto.

(2) Horses the flesh of which is intended for export shall be slaughtered in accordance with the provisions of Part II of the Second Schedule hereto.

(3) Horses the flesh of which is intended for export shall be slaughtered only at the times specified in Part III of the Second Schedule hereto.

(4) Horse flesh and the offals of horses intended for export shall be dressed, cleaned, hung, cooled and weighed in accordance with the provisions of Part IV of the Second Schedule hereto.

(5) No preservative shall be used in horse-flesh or offals of horses intended for export.

6.—(1) The marks to be applied to all horse-flesh and offals of horses examined and certified by a veterinary examiner on any registered horse slaughtering premises for the purpose of indicating the following matters, that is to say :

(a) that such horse-flesh and offals of horses have been examined and certified by a veterinary examiner in accordance with the Act and these Regulations,

(b) the identity of the said registered horse slaughtering premises,

shall be as follows :

(i) the mark shall be a square frame with sides of 2",

(ii) in addition, the said mark shall contain within the frame of the square the words " EIRE, IRISH, PASSED, HORSE MEAT " and the distinctive mark (if any) assigned by the Minister under subsection (3) of section 27 of the act to such registered horse slaughtering premises.

(2) The marks prescribed by paragraph (1) of this Regulation shall be applied to the horse-flesh and offals of horses to which they are applicable in accordance with the following provisions, that is to say—

(a) the said marks shall be applied in a non-poisonous green ink,

(b) in the case of horse-flesh, the mark shall be clearly stamped at least once on each quarter of the carcase and may be applied in as many places as may be considered desirable,

(c) in the case of boneless cuts of horse-flesh the mark shall be clearly stamped on the outside of the container containing such cuts or on a label affixed to such container, and

(d) in the case of offals of horses the mark shall be clearly stamped either on the outside of the container containing such offals or on a label affixed to such container.

(3) The instrument used for marking horse-flesh or the offals of horses in accordance with the Act, and the foregoing provisions of this Article shall be a rubber stamp with a metal or wooden base and of such form and design as will, when inked and applied to the horse-flesh or to the container containing boneless cuts of horse-flesh or offals of horses or the label affixed to such container, produce thereon the mark described in subparagraph (i) of paragraph (1) of this Regulation, and also the distinctive mark (if any) assigned by the Minister under subsection (3) of section 27 of the act to the registered horse slaughtering premises on which such horse-flesh and offals of horses are examined.

7. Horse-flesh and offals of horses shall comply with the conditions specified in the Third Schedule hereto at the time they are exported from registered horse slaughtering premises.

8. Horse-flesh and offals of horses shall be packed in accordance with the provisions of the Fourth Schedule hereto.

9. The conveyance of horse-flesh and offals of horses for export shall comply with the provisions of the Fifth Schedule hereto and vehicles, railway-waggons and ships used for the conveyance of horseflesh or offals of horses for export shall comply with the provisions of the Schedule.

PART IV. VETERINARY EXAMINATION.

10.—(1) Every examination by veterinary inspectors of horses intended for slaughter shall comply with the provisions of Part I of the Sixth Schedule hereto.

(2) Every examination by veterinary inspectors of carcases and offals of horses shall comply with the provisions of Part III of the Sixth Schedule hereto.

(3) The diseases and conditions on account of which horses may not be passed by a veterinary examiner as fit for slaughter shall be those specified in Part II of the Sixth Schedule hereto.

PART V. PRESCRIBED FORMS.

11.—(1) An application under subsection (1) of section 8 of the act for the registration of any premises in the register of horse slaughtering premises shall be in the Form H. F. 1 in the Seventh Schedule hereto, and shall contain the particulars asked for in that Form, and shall be made by delivering or by sending by post, an application in the said Form duly completed to the Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Upper Merrion Street, Dublin.

12. An application under section 11 of the act for registration as registered licensee of registered horse slaughtering premises shall be in the Form H. F. 2 in the Seventh Schedule hereto and shall contain the particulars asked for in that Form.

13. An application under subsection (6) of section 12 of the act for an exporter's licence shall be in the Form H.F. 3 in the Seventh Schedule hereto, and shall contain the particulars asked for in that Form.

14. An application under subsection (1) of section 25 of the act for the alteration or cancellation of the registration of any premises under Part I of the Act shall be in the Form H.F. 4 in the Seventh Schedule hereto and shall be made by delivering or sending by post an application in the said Form duly completed to the Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Upper Merrion Street, Dublin.

15. An exporter's licence under subsection (4) of section 12 of the act shall be in the Form H.F. 5 in the Seventh Schedule hereto.

16.—(1) A certificate of indebtedness under subsection (7) of section 13 of the act shall be in the Form H.F. 6 in the Seventh Schedule hereto.

(2) A certificate of indebtedness under subsection (5) of section 17 of the act shall be in the Form H.F. 7 in the Seventh Schedule hereto.

17.—(1) Every registered proprietor of horse slaughtering premises who is also a licensed horse-flesh exporter and every registered licensee of horse slaughtering premises who is also a licensed horse-flesh exporter shall, in respect of each registered horse-slaughtering premises of which he is the registered proprietor or registered licensee (as the case may be), send a return in the Form H.F. 8 in the Seventh Schedule hereto in respect of every period of a week commencing on Monday throughout the time the exporter's licence held by such proprietor or licensee is in force and the return shall contain the particulars asked for in that form.

(2) The return shall be made to the Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Upper Merrion Street, Dublin.

(3) The return shall be made not later than the Tuesday following the week to which such return relates.

18. A notice under subsection (6) of section 22 of the act shall be in the Form H.F. 9 set out in the Seventh Schedule hereto.

19. A consignment certificate under section 36 of the act shall be in the Form H.F. 10 set out in the Seventh Schedule hereto.

PART VI. ASCERTAINMENT OF NUMBER OF HORSES PRESENTED FOR VETERINARY EXAMINATION FOR PURPOSE OF COMPUTATION OF EXPORTERS' HALF-YEARLY FEES.

20. The number of horses presented under an exporter's licence for examination by a veterinary examiner at any registered horse slaughtering premises during a half-year shall be ascertained from the returns made in respect of such half-year pursuant to Article 17 of these Regulations by the registered proprietor or registered licensee of those premises who is the holder of such licence.

PART VII. PRESCRIBED FEES FOR INSPECTION, ETC., OF REGISTER.

21.—(1) The fee for inspection of the register of horse slaughtering premises shall be the sum of one shilling.

(2) The fee for a copy, certified in the manner mentioned in section 20 of the act, of an entry in the register of horse slaughtering premises shall be the sum of sixpence.

(3) The fee for a certificate under subsection (3) of section 20 of the act shall be the sum of two shillings and sixpence.

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE (FRESH MEAT) (HORSE FLESH) REGULATIONS, 1958.

FIRST SCHEDULE.

PLANT AND EQUIPMENT OF HORSE SLAUGHTERING PREMISES.

1. Proper facilities shall be available for hoisting carcases, e.g., power windlass or other suitable device.

2. Suitable receptacles shall be provided for the collection and removal of blood.

3. Overhead rails at the requisite height shall be provided for hanging carcases for dressing and cooling.

4. Suitable racks or other hanging accommodation shall be provided for offals, so arranged that the carcase from which each set of offals was derived shall be capable of being readily ascertained.

5. A suitable table or bench shall be provided for the cleaning, dressing and preparation of offals.

6. Portable receptacles shall be available for the removal of waste.

7. Adequate chilling and freezing facilities shall be provided at the premises.

8. Suitable hanging accommodation for carcases shall be provided in the cooling chamber, chilling rooms and freezing rooms.

9. A table or bench and suitable rails and hooks shall be provided for the examination of offals at the time of removal from the carcase.

10. Tables or benches and/or suitable rails and hooks shall be provided where necessary for the examination of carcases.

11. Steps with suitably guarded platform shall be provided for the use of the veterinary examiner in the inspection of hanging carcases.

12. Suitable facilities, including separate hanging rails, shall be provided for the detention of carcases and offals held for final examination.

13. Suitable lock-up office accommodation shall be provided in a convenient situation for the exclusive use of the veterinary examiner. Such office accommodation shall be fitted with suitable lockers. Adequate toilet and washing facilities shall also be provided.

14. Adequate washing and toilet facilities shall be provided for the personnel employed at the premises.

15. Suitable scales shall be provided for the weighing of carcases and offals.

16. The following equipment shall be provided :—(a) an efficient instrument of a type approved by the Minister for the stunning of horses before being slaughtered ; and (b) suitable means of controlling horses for slaughter, e.g., " knocking " box.

SECOND SCHEDULE.

PART I.

ASSEMBLING AND PENNING OF HORSES FOR SLAUGHTER.

1. All horses shall be assembled in accordance with the directions of the veterinary examiner.

2. Horses which are assembled over-night shall be adequately housed.

3. Diseased horses and horses suspected of disease shall be penned apart from other horses.

4. Horses shall not be penned within sight of the slaughtering or dressing sections of the registered slaughtering premises while work is in progress at those sections.

PART II.

MANNER OF SLAUGHTERING HORSES.

1. Slaughter shall be carried out in a humane manner and in such a way as to avoid congestion and risk of damage to the horse-flesh or offals by soiling or contamination.

2. Horses shall be slaughtered only in the approved slaughter section of the registered slaughtering premises.

3. Horses for slaughter shall be conveyed to the slaughter section in a humane manner.

4. Slaughter shall be carried out by a skilled person.

5. All horses shall before being slaughtered be effectually stunned by means of an approved method or instrument employed by a skilled person ; where a captive bolt instrument is used, it shall be operated by a male person of not less than 18 years of age who has been certified by the Minister for Agriculture as competent for that purpose.

6. Horses shall not be slaughtered or bled in the sight of live animals.

7. Live horses shall not be held in a slaughter section longer than is absolutely necessary for humane and proper slaughter.

8. Horses which are dead, dying, immature, unborn or still born shall not be dealt with or placed in compartments of the registered slaughtering premises in which meat or offals for human food are prepared, handled or packed.

PART III.

TIMES AT WHICH SLAUGHTER MAY TAKE PLACE.

1. Adequate notice of the time of killing shall be given to the veterinary examiner and slaughter shall be undertaken only when he is on the premises.

2. As far as possible slaughter shall be completed during daylight and ample light shall be provided at all times.

3. Slaughter shall not be undertaken outside the hours of 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on Mondays to Fridays inclusive and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays, except in cases of emergency slaughter or in special circumstances approved by the Minister.

4. Slaughter shall not take place on Sundays.

5. Slaughter shall be arranged with not more than one interval during the day.

PART IV.

MANNER OF DRESSING, CLEANING, HANGING, COOLING AND WEIGHING HORSE-FLESH AND OFFALS.

1. The flaying and dressing of horses shall not be commenced until the horses have ceased to show any signs of life. The horses shall be bled immediately after stunning and dressing shall commence as soon as possible thereafter and shall be completed as quickly as is consistent with good handling and inspection.

2. Dressing shall be carried out in a clean and skilful manner.

3. All knives, cases, receptacles and means of conveyance for use in dressing and handling horse flesh and offals shall be kept clean and shall be of materials which can be readily and effectively cleansed.

4. Persons engaged in dressing carcases and offals shall have their hands and clothing clean and any soiling or contamination shall be removed at once.

5. Offals shall be so handled that they are not subjected to contamination from the floor or other places. The dressing of stomachs, intestines, etc., shall be so performed that they will not be contaminated by bowel contents or from any other source.

6. Horse-flesh and offals shall at all times be handled in a manner which will not impede inspection and the slaughter and dressing section shall be kept free from steam and vapours which may be injurious to horse flesh or offals or would impede inspection.

7. Horse flesh and offals shall be cleaned by means of an adequate supply of pure water.

8. The cleaning and preparation of offals shall be undertaken under conditions which will not expose horse-flesh or offals to contamination from bowel contents, objectionable odours or other source of contamination or pollution.

9. Stomach and bowel contents shall be collected in receptacles and removed from the dressing chamber at once or at short intervals so that all risk of contamination of horse-flesh or offals is removed.

10. Carcases and offals shall be hung from satisfactory hanging appliances

11. Carcases or offals hanging or cooling shall be given ample space to protect them from injury or contamination resulting from touching walls or floors or coming into contact with other carcases or offals or through contact with diseased materials or any source of contamination or pollution.

12. Hanging and cooling of fresh horse-flesh and offals shall be so carried out as to allow ample ventilation and free circulation of air currents.

13. Hanging and cooling shall be carried out under conditions and in a manner to facilitate inspection.

14. Where carcases are to be artificially cooled, the carcases shall be despatched to the chill room as soon as possible after dressing is completed.

15. Weighing and packing shall be carried out in such a manner as to enable necessary particulars to be obtained for records and consignment certificates.

16. Weighing and packing apparatus used for weighing or packing horse-flesh or offals shall not be used for weighing or packing diseased materials or in any way which might contaminate the horse-flesh or offals.

17. Weighing and packing apparatus shall be kept clean.

18. Horse-flesh and offals shall be dressed, trimmed, washed, cut or divided in whatever manner proper and effective veterinary examination renders necessary.

19. Washing, dressing or trimming of materials retained for final examination shall not be undertaken unless at a time and in a manner which does not interfere with proper inspection or prolong the inspection unnecessarily.

20. In no circumstances shall evidence of disease or any abnormal condition be removed or interfered with by washing, wiping, stripping or in any other way. Where " back bleeding ", " bleeding back ", " sticking in " or other cause renders washing, wiping or stripping necessary, this shall be done only by or on the instructions of the veterinary examiner.

THIRD SCHEDULE.

CONDITION OF HORSE-FLESH AT TIME OF EXPORT.

1. Horse-flesh and offals shall be clean.

2. Horse-flesh and offals which have been exposed to contamination in any way shall not be exported.

3. Horse-flesh and offals shall be in such condition as will give reasonable expectation that they will arrive at their final destination in good conditions.

4. Where horse-flesh and offals are being exported in chilled or frozen form, the temperature of such meat and offals at the time of despatch from the slaughtering premises shall be to the satisfaction of the veterinary examiner.

FOURTH SCHEDULE.

PACKING OF HORSE-FLESH.

1. All carcases and offals shall be handled with strict regard to cleanliness and prevention of contamination.

2. Horse-flesh or offals which are being covered shall be covered or packed direct from hanging rails or hooks or from a suitable clean bench and shall not be covered on or collected from the floor for covering or packing.

3. Carcase shall be thoroughly cooled and set before being covered or packed.

4. All carcases shall be fully covered with new clean stockinette and canvas.

5. Packing shall be undertaken under conditions which afford ample room, light and facilities for inspection.

6. Offals shall be washed in clean running water, thoroughly drained of all blood washings, etc., and shall be trimmed and adequately cooled and shall then be packed in sound new clean containers of an approved type.

7. Materials, packages and containers used in packing horse-flesh and offals shall be clean and carefully stored and protected from contamination at all times.

FIFTH SCHEDULE.

PROVISIONS IN RELATION TO THE CONVEYANCE OF HORSE-FLESH.

1. The following provisions shall apply to the conveyance of horse-flesh or offals by road :—

(a) All vehicles used for the transport of carcase horse-flesh shall be provided with hanging facilities ; such vehicles shall be clean and shall not at the time of conveyance contain anything which will cause contamination or deterioration of the horse-flesh or offals.

(b) Chilled or frozen carcase horse-flesh and offals shall be conveyed by closed insulated containers with hanging facilities for chilled carcase horse-flesh ; deep frozen quarters and cuts may be stacked in the insulated container.

(c) Fresh horse-flesh and offals shall be conveyed in properly ventilated containers with hanging facilities for carcase horse-flesh.

(d) Fresh or chilled carcases shall be suspended so that no part of the carcase touches the floor of the container.

2. The following provisions shall apply to the conveyance of horse-flesh or offals by rail :—

(a) Chilled or frozen carcase horse-flesh and offals shall be conveyed by closed insulated containers with hanging facilities for chilled carcase horse-flesh ; deep frozen quarters and cuts may be stacked in insulated containers.

(b) Fresh or chilled carcases shall be suspended so that no part of the carcase touches the floor of the container.

(c) The loading of fresh horse-flesh or offals shall be conducted in such a manner as to prevent damage to the fresh horse-flesh or offals or the packages containing them.

(d) All railway wagons shall be clean and shall be free from any source of contamination or deterioration of fresh horse-flesh or offals and shall be used exclusively at the time of conveyance for the carriage of fresh horse-flesh or offals.

(e) Fresh offals packed in approved containers may be carried in trucks in which the containers are adequately covered.

(f) All railway wagons used for the conveyance of horse-flesh other than chilled or frozen horse flesh shall be ventilated by means of—

(i) Openings at the top of both sides of the wagons extending from the ends to the door not less than 18" deep ; and

(ii) Openings at the bottom at both sides from the end to the door about 7" to 9" from the floor and not less than 9" deep, and

(iii) Openings at the centre at both ends close to the roof, not less than 3 sq. ft. in area.

The side openings shall be louvred and the end openings shall be protected on the outside by a hood projecting outwards 6" at the bottom of the opening. All openings shall be covered on the inside with finely perforated zinc and in addition with a further covering of fine wire gauze.

The railway wagons shall be provided with hanging bars ¾" thick and 3" deep and close fitting double hooks ¾" thick. All bars and hooks used shall be galvanised.

The inner sides and ends of the railway wagons shall be smooth and shall be either painted or varnished. The floor surface shall be covered with canvas material capable of being washed.

(g) Carcases shall be suspended so that no part of the carcase shall touch the floor of the railway wagon.

3. The following provisions shall apply to the conveyance of horse flesh and offals by ship :—

(a) Loading of horse—flesh and offals shall be conducted in such a manner as to prevent damage to the horse—flesh or offals or the packages containing them ;

(b) All parts of vessels used for the conveyance of fresh horse—flesh or offals shall be cleaned and ventilated.

(d) Fresh horse—flesh or offals shall be adequately protected from wind, rain and sea water.

(e) Necessary covering shall be placed on fresh horse—flesh or offals and no other cargo shall be placed thereon ;

(f) Fresh horse—flesh or offals shall be stowed so as not to be liable to be contaminated by other cargo or to be damaged by heat from boilers or steam pipes or other avoidable source.

(g) Chilled or frozen horse—flesh and offals shall be carried either in—

(i) insulated containers (where it is intended to send the horse—flesh and offals by insulated containers all the way from the registered slaughtering premises to their final destination) or

(ii) in a refrigerated hold of the vessel with hanging facilities for chilled carcase horse-flesh.

4. Where occasion arises in any stage of transit for repacking detailed particulars of the occurrence and of the consignment as noted on the certificate shall be communicated by telephone at once to the Minister or to the veterinary examiner whose signature appears on the certificate.

SIXTH SCHEDULE.

VETERINARY EXAMINATION PROVISIONS.

PART I.

1. Ante mortem examination by veterinary examiners shall include observation and handling and, where the veterinary examiner deems it advisable, the taking of temperature.

PART II.

2. The diseases or conditions on account of which animals may not be passed by a veterinary examiner as fit for slaughter shall be the following :—

(1) anthrax ;

(2) acute or septic conditions with systemic disturbance or to any extent sufficient to render meat and offals unfit for food ;

(3) advanced pregnancy ;

(4) dying animals ;

(5) digestive disorders with systemic disturbance ;

(6) diseases in Schedules of Diseases of Animals Acts, 1894 to 1957, and orders made thereunder whether or not they render meat and offals unfit for food and until they have been dealt with in accordance with the requirements of the said acts and orders ;

(7) extensive injuries which render meat and offals unfit for food (except in cases in which the extent of the injuries may necessitate immediate slaughter of the animal on humane grounds).

(8) extensive skin affections which may render the meat and offals unsightly, unwholesome or unfit for food ;

(9) emaciation ;

(10) exhaustion, excitement or fatigue ;

(11) fever ;

(12) gangrenous conditions unless confined in extent and effect to a small area ;

(13) immaturity ;

(14) joint ill or navel infections ;

(15) metritis, acute and/or septic ;

(16) mastitis or mammitis, acute, septic or gangrenous ;

(17) oedema general and dropsical ;

(18) pneumonia and pleurisy ;

(19) rabies ;

(20) respiratory distress with systemic disturbance ;

(21) strangles ;

(22) purpora hemorhagica ;

(23) azoturia ;

(24) toxic encephalomyelitis (forage poisoning) ;

(25) cerebro-spinal meningitis ;

(26) acute influenza ;

(27) generalised osteoporosis ;

(28) acute inflammatory lameness ;

(29) extensive fistula ;

(30) any abnormal condition, temporary or otherwise, which renders meat or offals unfit for food.

PART III.

3. Where any abnormal condition is observed the nature and significance of which cannot be determined by observation and palpation, the horse-flesh and offals shall be incised in such a manner as to avoid soiling or contaminating any part of the carcase or organs or viscera which may be fit for human consumption.

4. Lymph glands shall be examined by multiple incisions in the form of numerous parallel cuts into their substance. All organs and viscera shall be examined as they are removed from the carcase or in such circumstances as will ensure that they are the organs and viscera of the carcase from which they were derived. All organs and viscera together with the associated lymph glands shall be examined by observation and palpation.

5. The carcases shall be examined for :—

(a) condition of nutrition.

(b) evidence of bruising, haemorrhage or discoloration.

(d) efficiency of bleeding.

(e) swellings or deformities of bones or joints, or swellings or other abnormalities in musculature.

6. The serous membranes (pleura and peritoneum) shall be examined in every case and in no case shall they be removed nor shall any evidence of disease be modified or obliterated by washing, rubbing, stripping or in any other manner before examination.

7. When a carcase is split the sternum, ribs, vertebrae and spinal cord shall be examined.

8. Head.

The head, including (a) surface and substance of the tongue (which shall be loosened, but not detached before examination) ; (b) the palate and roof of mouth ; (c) the lymph glands of the throat (pharyngeal, submaxillary and parotid) shall be examined. The head shall be split longitudinally to facilitate examination of the septum.

9. Abdominal cavity.

(a) Stomach, intestines and spleen. The inner and outer surface of the stomach, intestines and the surface and substance of the spleen shall be examined, together with glands of the stomach and bowel (gastro-splenic and mesenteric) and the web (Omentum).

(b) Liver. The surface and substance of the liver shall be examined. The associated glands (hepatic and portal) shall also be examined.

(c) Kidneys. The lymph glands of the kidneys, and the adrenal glands, shall be examined before the removal of the kidneys. Then the kidneys shall be examined and, if necessary, removed and split by incision into the substance and the substance examined.

(d) Uterus and ovaries. The inner and outer surface of the uterus and the substance of the ovaries shall be examined.

10. Thoracic cavity.

The pluck shall be examined in the following manner, before the various organs are separated from each other :—

(a) Lungs. The lungs shall be examined by observation and palpation, and unless obviously diseased they shall be incised at the base. The associated lymph glands (bronchial and mediastinal) shall also be examined and unless obviously diseased, shall be incised.

(b) Heart. The heart sac (pericardium) shall be opened and the walls of the heart shall be incised so as to open the ventricles.

11. Udder.

The udder shall be examined by observation and palpation, incisions shall be made at the base of the teats and the associated glands shall also be incised.

12. Testicles and Penis.

The outer surface and the substance of the testicles and penis, and the superficial inguinal glands shall be examined.

13. Serous membranes.

The lining membranes of the chest and abdomen (pleura and peritoneum) shall be examined in every case.

The following lymph glands shall be examined as a matter of routine in all cases :—

(a) Pharyngeal, Submaxillary, Parotid,

(b) Bronchial and mediastinal.

(d) Mesenteric.

14. All organs and the viscera and associated lymph glands shall be examined for evidence of tuberculosis, both in substance and in covering membranes. Tbe existence of tuberculosis in the lymph glands of an organ shall be held to he evidence of disease in that organ.

15. Carcase lymph glands shall be examined in accordance with the following instructions (glands in every case being exposed before examination and incised):—

(a) When visible evidence of tuberculosis is found in a carcase or in the organs or viscera, those glands which, having regard to such visible evidence, are least likely to be affected, shall be examined first, e.g., if evidence of tuberculosis is found on the pleura, the glands of the hindquarters shall be examined before those of the forequarters ;

(b) If a tuberculous lesion or an abscess is found in any carcase lymph gland, all the other carcase lymph glands shall be examined ;

(c) If evidence of tuberculous disease is found on a serous membrane (pleura or peritoneum) all the carcase lymph glands shall be examined ;

(d) If the throat glands (pharyngeal, submaxillary or parotid) are affected with tuberculosis, the cervical, prepectoral and prescapular glands shall be examined ;

(e) If the bronchial and/or mediastinal glands are affected with tuberculosis, the prepectoral, suprasternal, prescapular, intercostal and xiphoid glands shall be examined ;

(f) If the liver or the associated lymph glands (hepatic or portal) are affected with tuberculosis, all the carcase lymph glands shall be examined ;

(g) If the bowel glands (mesenteric) are affected with tuberculosis, the superficial inguinal (supramammary), the lumbar, renal, iliac and precrural glands shall be examined ;

(h) If the uterus is affected with tuberculosis, the iliac, precrural, lumbar and sacral glands shall be examined ;

(i) If the penis or the testicles are affected with tuberculosis, the superficial inguinal, iliac, sacral, popliteal and precrural glands shall be examined ;

(j) If tuberculosis lesions are found in bones, joints, limbs, or the spinal cord or its membranes, all the carcase lymph glands shall be examined.

16. Carcases and offals shall be required to come up to the following standard, that is to say, such carcases and offals shall not be affected by any of the diseases or in the manner hereinafter specified, that is to say :—

(1) tuberculosis ; generalised and/or milliary.

(2) actinomycosis, generalised.

(3) anaemia (if pronounced).

(4) anthrax.

(5) blackleg.

(6) bruising, general, extensive and severe, with or without gangrene.

(7) strangles.

(8) decomposition.

(9) dropsy, general.

(10) emaciation, general pathological.

(11) fever.

(12) immaturity.

(13) jaundice.

(14) purpora hemorrhagica.

(15) azoturia.

(16) malignant neoplasms, unless localised in situation and effect to one organ.

(17) mammitis, acute, septic or gangrenous.

(18) melanosis, generalised, or any generalised pigmentation.

(19) metritis, acute, septic.

(20) odours, prejudicial to health or palatability of meat.

(21) pericarditis, septic.

(22) pneumonia, septic or gangrenous.

(23) pyaemia, including joint ill or umbilical pyaemia.

(24) rickets, with malnutrition.

(25) sarcocysts, if generalised in the musculature and visible to the naked eye.

(26) septicaemia or septic intoxications.

(27) toxic encephalomyelitis (forage poisoning).

(28) cerebro-spinal meningitis.

(29) tetanus.

(30) tumours, multiple or metastatic.

(31) uraemia.

(32) carcases, ill bled.

(33) acute influenza.

(34) generalised osteoporosis.

(35) acute inflammatory lameness.

(36) extensive fistula.

SEVENTH SCHEDULE.

PRESCRIBED FORMS.

Form H.F. 1.

AN ROINN TALMHAÍOCHTA.

(Department of Agriculture).

FORM OF APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF PREMISES IN THE REGISTER OF HORSE SLAUGHTERING PREMISES KEPT UNDER THE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE (FRESH MEAT) ACT, 1930 .

I/We (a) ............................................................ ............................................................ .................................

............................................................ ............................................................ .................................................

............................................................ ............................................................ ..................................................

of............................................................ ............................................................ ..............................................

............................................................ ............................................................ ..................................................

hereby apply to have the premises described on the back hereof registered in the register of horse slaughtering premises. I/We enclose (b)............................................. for £1 0s. 0d., being amount of fee payable on application for the registration of premises in any register of slaughtering premises kept in pursuance of the Act.

I/We hereby certify that the particulars given on the back hereof are true to the best of my/our knowledge and belief.

Signature (c)............................................................ ........

............................................................ .........

............................................................ ........

Date............................................................ .........

To :

The Secretary,

Department of Agriculture,

Upper Merrion Street,

Dublin.

(a) If a Company within the meaning of the Companies (Consolidation) Act, 1908, the full description should be given, together with the name of the Secretary. If not such a company, the full name(s) of the proprietor(s) should be given.

(b) Insert Postal Order, Post Office Money Order, cheque, or Banker's draft.

(c) To be signed by a director or secretary in the case of a Company within the meaning of the Companies (Consolidation) Act, 1908 ; if not such a company, to be signed by the proprietor or proprietors of the business concerned.

DESCRIPTION AND SITUATION OF PREMISES, INCLUDING THE LIMITS AND EXTENT THEREOF.

Situation............................................................ ............................................................ .................................

Dimensions of building............................................................ ............................................................ .........

Materials of walls............................................................ ............................................................ ...................

Materials of roof............................................................ ............................................................ ......................

Materials of floors............................................................ ............................................................ ...................

Water supply :—

(a) How obtained............................................................ ............................................................ ......

(b) Estimated quantity available daily............................................................ ..................................

Drainage :—

(a) How constructed............................................................ ............................................................ ..

(b) Where discharged............................................................ ............................................................ ..

Waste, how disposed of............................................................ ............................................................ .............

State whether Digester on premises............................................................ ....................................................

Post Town ............................................................ ... ; distance therefrom .................................... miles.

Railway Station ........................................................ ; distance therefrom ..................................... miles.

Telegraphic Address............................................................ ............................................................ ......................

Note.—Duplicate plans of the premises should accompany this application.

(d) Name(s) and address(es) of person(s) or firm by whom business is being carried on............................................................ ............................................................ ......................................................

............................................................ ............................................................ ..........................................................

............................................................ ............................................................ ...........................................................

............................................................ ............................................................ ..........................................................

(d) If not a company within the meaning of the Companies (Consolidation) Act, 1908, the full names and addresses of the proprietors must be given.

FORM H.F. 2.

AN ROINN TALMHAIOCHT

(Department of Agriculture.)

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT (FRESH MEAT) ACT, 1930.

FORM OF APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION AS A REGISTERED LICENSEE OF REGISTERED HORSE SLAUGHTERING PREMISES.

I/We (a)............................................................ ............................................................ .....................................................

............................................................ ............................................................ .........................................................

............................................................ ............................................................ ..........................................................

of............................................................ ............................................................ ......................................................

............................................................ ............................................................ ...........................................................

............................................................ ............................................................ ..........................................................

hereby make application for registration as registered licensee(s) of the registered horse slaughtering premises, described on the back hereof, wherein I/We propose to carry on the business of slaughtering horses the meat and/or offals of which are intended to be exported. I/We enclose (b).................................. for £1 0s. 0d., being amount of fee payable on application for registration as registered licensee of registered slaughtering premises.

I/We hereby certify that the particulars given on the back hereof are true to the best of my/our knowledge and belief.

Signature (c)............................................................ ............................

............................................................ ...............................

Date............................................................ ...............................

The Secretary,

Department of Agriculture,

Upper Merrion Street,

Dublin.

(a) If a company within the meaning of the Companies (Consolidation) Act, 1908, the full description should be given, together with the name of the Secretary. If not such a company, the full name(s) of the proprietor(s) should be given.

(b) Insert Postal Order, Post Office Money Order, cheque, or Banker's draft.

(c) To be signed by a director of secretary in the case of a Company within the meaning of the Companies (Consolidation) Act, 1908 ; if not such a company, to be signed by the proprietor or proprietors of the business concerned.

DESCRIPTION AND SITUATION OF REGISTERED HORSE SLAUGHTERING PREMISES IN RESPECT OF WHICH REGISTRATION AS REGISTERED LICENSEE IS DESIRED.

Situation of Registered Horse Slaughtering Premises............................................................ .....................

............................................................ ............................................................ .....................................................

............................................................ ............................................................ ......................................................

Name(s) and Full Postal Address(es) of Registered Proprietor(s) of the above premises..........................

............................................................ ............................................................ ..........................................................

............................................................ ............................................................ ...........................................................

............................................................ ............................................................ ..........................................................

............................................................ ............................................................ ...........................................................

Nature and duration of agreement entered into with the Registered Proprietor(s) whereby applicant(s) is/are permitted to use the Registered Slaughtering Premises described above :

............................................................ ............................................................ ...........................................................

I/We hereby certify that the particulars given above are true to the best of my/our knowledge and belief.

Signature (d)............................................................ ......

............................................................ ...................

Registered Proprietor(s) of the Premises.

Date............................................................ ....................

(d) To be signed by a director or secretary in the case of a company within the meaning of the Companies (Consolidation) Act, 1908 ; if not such a company, to be signed by the proprietor or proprietors of the business concerned.

Form H.F. 3.

AN ROINN TALMHAIOCHTA

(Department of Agriculture).

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE (FRESH MEAT) ACT, 1930 .

Form of application for a licence to export horse-flesh and/or the offals of horses.

I/We (a)............................................................ ............................................................ .............................

............................................................ ............................................................ ................................................

............................................................ ............................................................ .................................................

of ............................................................ ............................................................ ..............................................

............................................................ ............................................................ ...................................................

being the registered (b) proprietor(s) licensee(s) of the registered horse slaughtering premises situated at ............................................................ ............................................................ ...............................................

............................................................ ............................................................ .....................................................

hereby apply, pursuant to section 12 of the above-mentioned Act for a licence in respect of the said premises to export horse-flesh and the offals of horses therefrom.

I/We enclose (c)..................... for £12 10s. 0d., being the amount of the deposit payable on application for an exporter's licence in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

Signature (d)............................................................ ..

............................................................ ................

Date............................................................ ................

The Secretary,

Department of Agriculture,

Upper Merrion Street,

Dublin.

(b) Strike out whichever is inapplicable.

(d) To be signed by a director or secretary in the case of a Company within the meaning of the Companies (Consolidation) Act, 1908 ; if not such a company, to be signed by the proprietor or proprietors of the business concerned.

Form H.F. 4.

AN ROINN TALMHAÍOCHTA

(Departmont of Agriculture.)

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE (FRESH MEAT) ACT, 1930 .

Form of application for alteration or cancellation of the registration of horse slaughtering premises.

I/We (a)............................................................ ............................................................ ....................................

............................................................ ............................................................ ......................................................

of............................................................ ............................................................ ....................................................

............................................................ ............................................................ ........................................................

hereby make application for the alteration/cancellation (b) of the registration of the premises numbered............................................................ ............................................................ .........................................

in the Register of Horse Slaughtering Premises as follows (c)............................................................ ..

............................................................ ............................................................ ..........................................................

............................................................ ............................................................ ...........................................................

for the reason that (d)............................................................ ............................................................ ........

............................................................ ............................................................ ..........................................................

............................................................ ............................................................ ...........................................................

Signature............................................................ ..............................

............................................................ ..............................

(e)............................................................ ........................

Date............................................................ .............................

The Secretary,

Department of Agriculture,

Upper Merrion Street,

Dublin.

(a) Insert full name of Registered Proprietor(s), personal representative or liquidator, as the case may be.

(b) Strike out whichever is inapplicable.

(d) State reason for alteration or cancellation as the case may be.

(e) State whether Registered Proprietor(s), personal representative or liquidator.

Form H.F. 5

AN ROINN TALMHAÍOCHTA.

(Department of Agriculture).

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE (FRESH MEAT) ACT, 1930 .

EXPORTERS LICENCE.

No..........

THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT, subject to the provisions of the above-mentioned Act and any Regulations from time to time in force thereunder ............................................................ .....................

............................................................ ............................................................ ..........................................................

of ............................................................ ............................................................ .....................................................

in the County ............................................................ ............................................................ ...............................

who is/are ............................................................ ............................................................ ......................................

of the Registered Horse Slaughtering Premises described below is/are authorised, in respect of the said Premises, to export therefrom horse-flesh and the offals of horses.

For the Minister for Agriculture.

(Signed) ............................................................ ...........

An officer of the Department of

Agriculture authorised in this behalf

by the said Minister.

Date ............................................................ .............

REGISTERED SLAUGHTERING PREMISES.

Description of Premises.

Name and Address of Registered Proprietor.

Form H.F. 6

AN ROINN TALMHAÍOCHTA.

(Department of Agriculture).

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE (FRESH MEAT) ACT, 1930 .

(SECTION 13 (7))

CERTIFICATE OF INDEBTEDNESS.

THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT, after deducting the sum of £..........s..........d. allowed as a payment on account thereof, the amount of the Exporter's Half-

yearly Fee payableby............................................................ ............................................................ ..............

............................................................ ............................................................ ........................................................

of ............................................................ ............................................................ ...................................................

............................................................ ............................................................ .........................................................

in respect of the Exporter's Licence granted to ............................................................ ......................................

in accordance with the provisions of section 12 of the Agricultural Produce (Fresh Meat) Act, 1930 , to export horse flesh and the offals of horses is

£............s.........d. for the half-year ended the.....................day of ...................................19.......

For the Minister for Agriculture.

(Signed) ............................................................ ..................................

An officer of the Department of Agriculture

authorised in this behalf by the said

Minister.

Date............................................................ ....................................

Form H.F. 7.

AN ROINN TALMHAÍOCHTA.

(Department of Agriculture.)

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE (FRESH MEAT) ACT, 1930 . (SECTION 17 (5)).

CERTIFICATE OF INDEBTEDNESS.

THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT the amount of the Permit Fee payable

by............................................................ ............................................................ ..................................................

............................................................ ............................................................ .......................................................

of............................................................ ............................................................ ....................................................

............................................................ ............................................................ .......................................................

in respect of the Exporter's Permit granted to ............................................................ .....................................

in accordance with the provisions of section 17 of the Agricultural Produce (Fresh Meat) Act, 1930 , to export horse-flesh and the offals of horses during the period from the ................... day of......................19...... to the ................... day of ...................... 19..........., inclusive, is £........................s.............................d.

For the Minister for Agriculture.

(Signed) ............................................................ .........................

An officer of the Department of Agriculture

authorised in this behalf by the said

Minister.

Date............................................................ ............................

Form H.F. 8.

AN ROINN TALMHAÍOCHTA

(Department of Agriculture.)

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE (FRESH MEAT) ACT, 1930 .

Weekly Return to be made by Registered Proprietors of Registered Horse Slaughtering Premises who are Licensed Exporters.

(This Return should reach the Department's Offices not later than the Tuesday following the week to which the Return relates.)

(1) Name of Licensed Exporter............................................................ ......................................................

............................................................ ............................................................ ...................................................

(2) Address of Registered Horse Slaughtering Premises ............................................................ ....................

............................................................ ............................................................ ......................................................

(3) Number of horses presented for ante-mortem examination and quantity of horse-flesh and offals of horses exported on each day during the week ended the day of 19 :—

Day of Week.	Number of horses presented for ante-mortem examination	Number of carcases exported.	Number of sets of offals exported.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Total

I/We certify that the particulars entered on this form are correct.

Signature ........................................................

Date ............................................................ .....

The Secretary,

Department of Agriculture,

Upper Merrion Street,

Dublin.

Form H.F. 9.

AN ROINN TALMHAÍOCHTA

(Department of Agriculture.)

NOTICE UNDER SECTION 22 of THE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE (FRESH MEAT) ACT, 1930 .

To ............................................................ ............................................................ ..........................................................

being the Registered Proprietor of the Registered Horse Slaughtering Premises situated

at ............................................................ ............................................................ ....................................................

in the County............................................................ ............................................................ ..................................

TAKE NOTICE that the Minister for Agriculture HEREBY REQUIRES you, within ............................. days from the date of this Notice, to have the work specified on the back hereof carried out at the said premises for the purpose of complying with the provisions of Part I of the Agricultural Produce (Fresh Meat) Act, 1930 .

For the Minister for Agriculture.

(Signed) ............................................................ ............

An Officer of the Department of Agriculture

authorised in this behalf by the said

Minister.

Date............................................................ .................

Note.

Where a notice under section 22 of the Agricultural Produce (Fresh Meat) Act, 1930 is served by the Minister the following provisions apply in accordance with section 23 of the same Act.

" (a) if the registered proprietor is not the rated occupier of the premises, it shall be the duty of such registered proprietor to communicate the contents of the notice to such rated occupier within three days after the service of the notice, and

(b) if the premises are held by the registered proprietor or by the rated occupier under a lease or other contract of tenancy, it shall be the duty of the registered proprietor to communicate the contents of the notice to the immediate landlord of the premises or his agent within three days after service of the notice, and

(c) the registered proprietor shall, if he has duly complied with the provisions of the foregoing paragraphs of this section so far (if at all) as they are applicable to the case, be at liberty to execute the work required by the notice, notwithstanding any covenant, agreement or condition to the contrary contained in any lease or other contract of tenancy under which the premises are held."

WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT

............................................................ ............................................................ ................................................

............................................................ ............................................................ ..............................................

No......................			FORM H.F. 10.
Exporter's Name ....... ..........................	No...................	AN ROINN TALMHAÍOCHTA.
Consignee's Name ..............................		AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE (FRESH MEAT) ACT, 1930 .
Consignee's Address :		CONSIGNMENT CERTIFICATE.
............................................................ ... ............................................................ ....	I hereby certify that I have duly applied the mark, as under, prescribed by the Regulations under the Agricultural Produce (Fresh Meat) Act, 1930 , to the Horse-flesh and/or Horse Offals described in the Schedule hereunder and proposed to be exported, in one lot, by
Horse Flesh.	............................................................ ............................................................ ...................................
No. of carcases ....................................	of............................................................ ............ to............................................................ ...........
Horse Offals	of............................................................ ............................................................ ..............................
.......................................................			Signature........................................ Veterinary Examiner.
Certificate issued by			Dated this.....................day of......................19....
.......................................................			SCHEDULE.
	Horse-flesh : Number of Carcases.		Horse Offals : Number of Sets.
Veterinary Examiner	In writing.	In figures.	In writing.	In figures.
Date ...............................................

GIVEN under my Official Seal, this 27th day of March, 1958.

PATRICK SMITH,

Minister for Agriculture.

EXPLANATORY NOTE.

These Regulations provide for the control of the slaughtering of horses, the preparation of horse-flesh for export for human consumption and related matters.