TV3’s Animal A&E heads to Ballinasloe for a brand new special.

For further information:

Sharon McHugh
TV3 PRESS OFFICE
+3531 419 3430 / 087 922 4143
sharon.mchugh@tv3.ie
publicity@tv3.ie

Ciara Byrne
+353 1 419 3329 / 087 3199732
ciara.byrne@tv3.ie

TV3 GROUP RELEASE

IMMEDIATE: Thursday 29th May 2014

 

 

TV3’s Animal A&E heads to Ballinasloe for a brand new special.

 

A malnourished horse suffering from a large number of cuts, bruises and dental damage is discovered – the owner claims that he has only just bought it but the ISPCA are skeptical.

 

The ISPCA is approached by a person who has just bought a neglected pup for €20 out of sympathy – they go in search of the owner who they hear also has a second pup for sale.

 

Andrea Hayes and ISPCA inspectors are available for interview on request.

 

Ireland's Animal A&E Ballinasloe Special airs Friday 30th May at 7.30pm on TV3.

 

Andrea Hayes and the Animal A&E team are back on the road for a brand new special as they visit the Ballinasloe Fair. The Ballinasloe Fair is one of Europe’s oldest and largest horse fairs, dating back to the 18th century. The annual event attracts up to 35,000 visitors from all over the world. From show-jumping exhibitors to equestrian traders, the festival is one of the most important social and economic events in the life of the town each year. In the past however, the festival has come under criticism from animal welfare organisations for the lack of the protection and the wellbeing of mistreated equines, dogs, cats and even poultry that are sold at the fair.

 

Since Animal A&E first began filming at the fair three years ago, where we witnessed countless cases of cruelty and neglect, both the ISPCA and the fair organisers have worked closely to eliminate the threat posed by those who sell and trade in unfit and unhealthy animals. This year the Animal A&E team has returned to spend another day with the hard working ISPCA. We see the changes put in place and find out if they have made a difference.

 

Following a local report, the ISPCA team discover a horse that raises immediate concern. The horse is malnourished, dental damaged and suffering from a large number cuts and bruises; the team have no choice but to take the horse away for immediate assessment.

 

Meanwhile the person who they have just taken the horse from is claiming that they have only just bought it. ISPCA inspector Conor Dowling is skeptical of this story:

 

“It’s still quite shocking to see one (a horse) in such poor condition. Somebody walking around the fair - and to think that you would get away with it. Now this individual has told us that he purchased it just before we arrived. I’d be very skeptical of that story. We have his details, we know where he lives so our priority is to deal with the animal now and we can sort him out afterwards.”

 

The ISPCA is approached by a person who has just bought a pup that looks mistreated and in poor condition. He bought the pup simply because he felt sorry for it and said that there was another pup with him in even worse condition. Concerned for the second pup’s wellbeing, the ISPCA go in search of the other dog and its owner – but will they find them in a crowd of hundreds?

 

Ireland's Animal A&E Ballinasloe Special airs Friday 30th May at 7.30pm on TV3.

 

Follow the team on Twitter @AnimalAandE #AnimalAandE or share on Facebook

 

Images have been sent to your picture desk.

 

ENDS

 

For further information
Ciara Byrne – Press Officer – 01 419 3329/087 319 9732

Jean O’Donovan – Press & Publicity Assistant – 01 419 3428

Sharon McHugh – Head of Press & Publicity – 087 922 4143

publicity@tv3.ie                        
www.tv3.ie

 

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