SECURITY is to be stepped up at a Herefordshire abattoir after it was this week granted a licence to slaughter horses for human consumption on the Continent.

Police will escort initial deliveries of wild ponies to RE Williams & Son, Weobley, in a bid to deter animal rights activists. An infrared alarm has also been installed along with 24-hour security on the site.

The abattoir's management says the controversial move to slaughter horses for export will help to secure the future of the business.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) issued the licence after the abattoir underwent a stringent inspection.

It means Williams & Son will be able to slaughter wild ponies before exporting them to France.

In a statement the FSA confirmed: "The agency granted the operator of the abattoir a variation to his licence to allow the slaughter of horses.

"This variation was made following the inspection of the premises by a veterinary meat hygiene adviser, who confirmed that the premises met the requirements of the Fresh Meat Regulations and the Welfare of Animals (Slaughter or Killing) Regulations."

Abattoir owner David Williams said: "The granting of the licence helps to secure our future. It means we can continue with a five-day week rather than four, which we had feared.

"Before the work begins we will ensure our staff are fully trained by experts in this field on how to handle the horses. Wild ponies can be difficult to deal with at times."

Mr Williams stressed the abattoir would be adhering to strict health and safety guidelines.

"The entire operation will be done under veterinary supervision to ensure that animal welfare is a top priority," he said.

Mr Williams also had a message for critics of its decision to seek the licence.

"While this is obviously an emotive subject, surely people will realise it is better for the horses to be killed locally at a reputable abattoir rather than being exported live to the Continent for slaughter," he said.

His sentiments were echoed by the International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH), which gave a guarded welcome to the issuing of the licence.

ILPH press officer Lynda Freebrey, said: "The ILPH is concerned about the welfare of horses and ponies while they are living. As long as they are put down humanely it is academic what happens to the meat once the animal is dead.

"But we would point out that it is preferable for horses to be slaughtered in this country than being exported live to the Continent and having to go on a long, distressing journey before their inevitable death."