There must be consequences for those engaged in the vile scenes of abuse of calves highlighted by Prime Time Investigates last night, Deputy Claire Kerrane has said.
Monday’s programme showed bull calves being kicked, beaten with sticks, thrown on and off trailers and dragged by ears, tails and legs.
It also showed horrible scenes of abuse in marts as well as the treatment of calves being transported for live export.
Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane said that the programme, which aired on RTÉ last night, was hard to watch.
“It highlighted cruel practices by some in some marts which do not reflect how the vast majority of handlers, mart staff and indeed, farmers treat animals,” she said.
“In fact, the abuse displayed tonight flies in the face of basic common decency.”
The Roscommon-Galway TD said that animal welfare standards exist for a reason, but they are ‘useless if not monitored and enforced’.
“A number of laws were blatantly disregarded in what was aired tonight – animal welfare and the treatment of young calves as well as the failure to adhere to laws in place for live exports as regards rest times and feeding. This is unacceptable.”
Deputy Kerrane added that one mart, in response to the cruelty displayed on the footage, suggested animal welfare training for staff.
“Anyone working in a mart who engages in throwing calves or physically abusing them shouldn’t work in such an environment, far from training, these individuals need to be identified and sacked,” said Deputy Kerrane.
