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The Department of Agriculture is continuing to gather evidence for its investigation into alleged breaches of calf welfare at marts.
It has been one year since an RTÉ Investigates programme published footage which showed serious breaches of animal welfare rules at a number of marts and unidentified knackery operators appearing to agree to provide a “kill and collect” service for healthy calves.
“As part of the Department’s investigation, all relevant unedited footage that was in the possession of RTÉ in relation to the marts-based calf welfare issues has been subject to detailed examination and analysis,” a Department spokesperson told the Irish Farmers Journal.
Marts visited
“In addition, all mart premises that featured in the programme have been visited and relevant records retained by the marts have been sought and further examined.
“The Department is continuing its evidence gathering in relation to these specific incidents and appropriate enforcement action will be taken.
"Since these investigations are ongoing, the Department cannot provide any further comment,” the spokesperson said.
Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue strongly condemned the “shocking practices” which were aired in the programme.
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