Animal cruelty outcry in Tipperary following RTE Investigates programme

Serious breaches of animal welfare shown in a shocking RTÉ documentary on Monday night have been criticised by farm leaders and politicians.
Undercover filming by RTÉ captured breaches of animal welfare.

Over a number of weeks RTÉ Investigates filmed at several Irish marts, including Cahir, and saw some handlers treat young calves capably and with respect.

But others showed a blatant disregard for animal welfare.
The shocking documentary showed examples of slapping, striking and kicking of animals, all prohibited by law, as well as throwing them mid-air which is regarded as a serious breach of animal welfare. 

Following the screening of the documentary the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue condemned the abuse of animals exposed by RTÉ Investigates.

The Minister said the issues raised would be “vigorously pursued” by a Department of Agriculture investigation which was already under way.
“I strongly condemn the shocking practices we saw on RTÉ Investigates. They were certainly 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.
“The footage shown by RTÉ represents the actions of a few. What we saw was utterly unacceptable, and in some instances, was unlawful,” said Minister McConalogue.

The President of the ICMSA, Pat McCormack, said that in common with every other viewer, he and his members found the issues and footage addressed in the programme to be disturbing and disappointing.
Mr McCormack said that the clear laws and regulations set out around the question of animal welfare must be enforced and sanctions – up to and including prosecution – must follow where clear evidence was present.

He said that a clear chain of responsibility and regulation existed and following that chain brought a person quickly and decisively to the body within whose remit fell all aspects of animal welfare: the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Mr McCormack said that ICMSA and farmers in general rejected categorically any suggestion that this kind of abuse was widespread or a norm. He said that the welfare and health of their stock was the standard by which farmers rated and judged each other and he appealed for those both reporting the story and responding to the issues raised, to address the specific wrongdoing and wrongdoers, and not to “go their usual route”, where a vast majority was made pay for the abuse perpetrated by the few.

The disturbing practices highlighted by RTÉ were also condemned by Macra na Feirme.
“What was shown throughout the programme is truly disturbing. As farmers we care for our animals and we never want to see them mistreated as depicted in the RTÉ investigates show,” said Macra National President Elaine Houlihan.
“Since 2019, we as an organisation have been calling on the government for supports around the use of sexed semen in the dairy herd to incentivise more viable breeding practices. In our Pre Budget submission for budget 2024 we are calling on the government once again for further action around sexed semen,” she added.

The Macra spokesperson welcomed the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s announcement that they will be conducting a full investigation into the breaches highlighted around animal welfare.
Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher has said he is disgusted and dismayed at the incidents of animal abuse in RTÉ Investigates programme. “The vast majority of livestock farmers and transporters in Ireland care for and look after their animals. They, like me, will be disgusted at what they saw in this TV programme,” he said.

MARTS STATEMENT
The following statement was issued by Cork Marts on Tuesday:
“The board and management of Cork Marts met this morning (Tuesday) following on from the RTE Prime Time programme of 10th July.
“ We are very disappointed at the behaviour towards calves shown in the footage from our marts featured on this programme.

These actions shown are certainly not acceptable and cannot be defended. It is contrary to our ‘Animal Welfare Policy’.
“We are very disappointed that this has happened, even if it is the exception rather than the norm.
“We handle approximately 70,000 calves for sale during the short calf season from February to May. We have designated separate calf sale days at some of our centres in order to provide better accommodation and afford more attention to the calves.

“Our staff undergo animal welfare and handling training as part of their induction and every three years thereafter. Mishandling or mistreatment of livestock, particularly of calves, is certainly not acceptable and is not in anyone’s interest.
“We will fully co-operate with the Department of Agriculture & Food investigation as announced yesterday. We will review the clips shown and address these issues with all staff. While it is not exactly clear from the footage, we will try to determine the dates and times of the incidents shown and identify the staff and third parties involved.

“There will have to be a full review of calf handling operations. All staff will have to undergo further animal welfare handling training and we will take all actions deemed necessary to protect the welfare of the animals presented to us for
sale,” concluded the statement.