The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine has condemned shocking animal welfare breaches revealed by an RTÉ Investigates programme last night.
‘Milking It: Dairy’s Dirty Secret’ uncovered major animal welfare breaches around Irish dairy calves. The programme showed the mistreatment of young dairy calves at marts, with some being kicked, hit with sticks and thrown in the air.
Reporters also obtained undercover footage of the controversial live export of calves to be fattened on veal farms in mainland Europe.
Minister Charlie McConalogue said that scenes were “not reflective of the work that farmers put into managing their farm enterprises responsibly.”
“Farmers care for their animals and would never want to see them mistreated,” he said.
The Minister said that the footage shown by RTÉ represents the actions of a few.
“What we saw was utterly unacceptable, and in some instances, was unlawful.
“My Department has requested RTÉ provide it with all of the footage available, and any other information it has, so that it can investigate the matter fully and take appropriate action”.
He said that the investigation has already commenced and will be “vigorously pursued”.
