A major investigation has highlighted the suspected large-scale trafficking horses across Europe using falsified documents and manipulated microchips.
Between 8 and 9 September, nearly 200 officers and representatives of different authorities took part in the operation across Belgium, France, Ireland and the Netherlands.
Identities and histories of horses were allegedly manipulated to allow them to be moved and resold across the continent.
Horses are suspected of having been fraudulently resold under falsified identities, while others may have been diverted into the food chain.
“This undermines the traceability systems designed to protect animal welfare and food safety and could result in horses not intended for human consumption being illegally sent for slaughter,” said a spokesman for Europol, who supported the operation.
The operation saw authorities carry out 24 searches, where more than 1,000 horses were checked.
Evidence seized during the searches is now being analysed and investigators are working to establish the final destination of the animals.
The investigation remains ongoing.
