Calfgate, a recent scandal, has shed light on the mistreatment of bull calves in the Irish dairy industry. However, if the cameras of RTÉ were to focus on live cattle exports from Ireland to non-EU countries, what further revelations would be uncovered? It appears that our farmers, live animal exporters, and politicians are still engaged in the controversial practice of live animal exports to the Middle East and North Africa. This policy, supported and developed by the government, raises concerns about the welfare of these animals and tarnishes Ireland’s reputation in terms of animal welfare.
The journey begins when adult Irish cattle are loaded onto ships bound for countries such as Algeria, Turkey, Libya, Israel, and Egypt. These animals are treated as mere cargo, subjected to rough handling as they are transported from farms to livestock marts, then onto lorries, livestock ships, and finally foreign abattoirs. They are treated as commodities rather than sentient beings. Unfortunately, the sea journeys involved are often too long to ensure a satisfactory level of animal welfare. Furthermore, the conditions for these animals in the destination countries frequently fall below the minimum legal standards required in Ireland.
It is clear that the live farm animal export trade prioritizes profit over animal welfare and respect for the law. This outdated approach to animal welfare reflects a reluctance within the farming community to embrace modern thinking, both in terms of animal welfare and economic reality. Unfortunately, this does not seem to concern Irish farmers, who gladly accept the cheques from live exporters while their cattle suffer in the cramped and unsanitary conditions of a livestock ship or meet a grisly fate in a foreign abattoir.
It is time to consign the live animal export trade to the history books. This trade represents a regressive attitude towards animal welfare and a failure to adapt to the demands of a modern society. Ireland should prioritize the well-being of its animals and strive to meet higher standards of animal welfare. The government, in particular, must take responsibility for ensuring that the country’s reputation is not further tarnished by supporting a trade that prioritizes profit over the welfare of living beings.
In conclusion, the recent Calfgate scandal has highlighted the mistreatment of bull calves in the Irish dairy industry. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg. The live animal export trade to non-EU countries raises even greater concerns about animal welfare. It is time for Ireland to move away from this outdated practice and embrace a more compassionate and modern approach to animal welfare.