Scotland's Chief vet denies a report on bad transport condition for livestock
A BBC documentary on livestock transport condition, when shipped from Scotland to other markets, is forcing the authorities to take a position on that matter.
Scotland's chief veterinary officer Sheila Voas has insisted that "high welfare standards" are in place for young calves shipped to Europe, Northern Ireland or Ireland. In her opinion, the TV programme reporting bad treatment of animals exported is simply "alarmist", informs The Independent.
Her declarations come after ferry company P&O announced it was halting the transportation of live calves from Scotland due to the scandal triggered by the documentary.
On the other hand, Scottish Rural Affairs Minister Mairi Gougeon declared herself concern about the situation.
The Scottish Government is currently undertaking a year’s worth of research to determine the effects on the calves of these journeys. "As Scotland’s chief veterinary officer I want to reassure the public that Scotland has a responsible dairy industry that cares about the welfare of these animals and is subject to the highest standards of welfare as regulated by European law. There are small numbers of calves being transported to Spain for fattening and production. These are male dairy calves which otherwise would have no productive purpose in Scotland. Some reports have distorted the reality of these journeys", stated Sheila Voas.
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