I am disappointed to witness the resumption of live calf exports from the UK. The lifting of the EU ban on exports of British beef has re-opened the trade in live male dairy calves, which are again being exported to the continent.
These calves are not considered ideal for beef, because their breed has been optimised for milk production.
As a result they are facing long and stressful journeys to continental veal farms where they are likely to be kept in conditions illegal in the UK, causing immense suffering and fear.
Veal crates, which were banned in the UK in 1990, will not be banned in the EU until 2007.
Even if kept in groups, most veal calves in Europe will be housed on concrete and slats, without bedding material such as straw, treating these poor creatures as little more than mere commodities, instead of living, breathing, sentient beings who suffer greatly in such appalling conditions.
Investigations have shown consistent breaking of European law with journey times being longer than the recommended nine hours and frequent failures to provide water to the animals, as required by law.
Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) wants to see an end to the trade in live animals due to immense animal welfare issues involved and the shameful lack of compassion and understanding of the suffering endured.
A trade in meat should replace this.
For more information on the subject visit ciwf.org.
DEBBIE COX, Cardinal Ave, Morden
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