Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), Pippa Hackett, has vowed to thoroughly investigate the mistreatment of dairy calves following an exposé by RTÉ Investigates. The programme, which aired on Monday, showed shocking footage of calves being subjected to physical abuse at various marts across Ireland. The investigation also highlighted alleged breaches of legislation regarding the transport of calves for live export to Europe for veal production. Minister Hackett, speaking in the Seanad on Tuesday, described the footage as “sickening and unacceptable” and emphasized the need for the highest standards of animal welfare in the farming industry. She acknowledged that while most farmers prioritize animal care, the programme revealed that issues still exist and must be addressed. DAFM has requested all available footage and information from RTÉ to conduct a comprehensive investigation and take appropriate action. Minister Hackett acknowledged the challenges faced by the dairy sector in terms of animal welfare and environmental impact, urging the industry to demonstrate leadership in addressing these concerns.
The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) expressed shock and anger at the mistreatment of dairy calves captured in the undercover footage. The organization commended the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) for condemning the behavior and welcomed DAFM’s commitment to investigate the breaches of animal welfare legislation. The ISPCA called on Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, and his officials to ensure that livestock transport companies are thoroughly evaluated for compliance with regulations. The association insisted on robust penalties for both transport companies and individuals found to be in violation of the regulations. Furthermore, the ISPCA called for a complete reassessment of the dairy model in Ireland, citing the rapid expansion of the dairy herd and the resulting increase in male calves as a significant issue. The mistreatment of these animals, as depicted in the programme, was described as “beyond horrendous” by the ISPCA. The organization believes that such treatment not only damages the reputation of the Irish dairy industry but also tarnishes the country’s image as a whole.
In response to the exposé, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has vowed to conduct a thorough investigation into the mistreatment of dairy calves. Minister of State Pippa Hackett, speaking in the Seanad, condemned the footage as “sickening and unacceptable,” emphasizing the need for the highest standards of animal welfare in the farming industry. She acknowledged that while most farmers prioritize animal care, the programme revealed that issues still exist and must be addressed. DAFM has requested all available footage and information from RTÉ to conduct a comprehensive investigation and take appropriate action. Minister Hackett acknowledged the challenges faced by the dairy sector in terms of animal welfare and environmental impact, urging the industry to demonstrate leadership in addressing these concerns.
The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) expressed shock and anger at the mistreatment of dairy calves captured in the undercover footage. The organization commended the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) for condemning the behavior and welcomed DAFM’s commitment to investigate the breaches of animal welfare legislation. The ISPCA called on Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, and his officials to ensure that livestock transport companies are thoroughly evaluated for compliance with regulations. The association insisted on robust penalties for both transport companies and individuals found to be in violation of the regulations. Furthermore, the ISPCA called for a complete reassessment of the dairy model in Ireland, citing the rapid expansion of the dairy herd and the resulting increase in male calves as a significant issue. The mistreatment of these animals, as depicted in the programme, was described as “beyond horrendous” by the ISPCA. The organization believes that such treatment not only damages the reputation of the Irish dairy industry but also tarnishes the country’s image as a whole.