Readers may not be aware that lifting the ban on exports of British beef has allowed the live export trade in young calves from the UK to resume. Thousands of calves are now being exported to the continent, with some travelling to Dover from as far away as the Republic of Ireland and Scotland. Latest figures show that 15 per cent end their journey as far away as Spain.
Scientific evidence shows that these young animals, which are often only two weeks old and therefore weak and vulnerable, suffer greatly during transport. Most of these animals are male dairy calves, unwanted by the dairy industry. If they are not exported, they are often killed at birth. Veal units on the continent provide conditions which would be illegal in the UK.
Alternatives need to be found to benefit both animal welfare and UK farm incomes. In the meantime, please ask our local MP to sign Early Day Motion 395, which calls on the government to take action on this issue. Readers can also help by buying Soil Association approved organic milk, whose standards prohibit the export of calves for veal.
Maggie Baptiste Corston Malmesbury
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