COMPASSION in World Farming is to hold a street protest in Dublin today over the EU slaughter scheme for young calves.
The mandatory scheme, ordered by the EU to reduce cattle numbers as a result of the BSE crisis, is due to come into operation here shortly.
Male calves under 20 days old are to be slaughtered and their carcasses taken out of the food chain. Farmers are expected to get about £100 per calf in compensation.
CIWF, which has called the scheme "the slaughter of the innocents", will protest outside the Department of Agriculture offices at 11 a.m. They expect the support of TDs including Mr Tony Gregory (Ind), Mr Jim Kemmy (Lab) and Mr Chris Flood (FF). At the top of Grafton Street signatures will be collected from people opposed to the scheme.
According to Ms Mary Anne Bartlett, CIWF's Irish organiser, the focal point of the demonstration will be an "axe wielding, bloodstained slaughterman and a life sized model calf".
She said: "The scheme will do nothing to eradicate BSE. Indeed we believe that this scheme will damage the beef industry further. The image of calves being killed and disposed of can only be distressing to the public.
"We are asking Mr Yates to show compassion towards these tiny calves by abandoning the Calf Processing Aid Scheme.
She added that CIWF feared that when a calf is destined only for slaughter and disposal as waste, there is little incentive to, ensure its well being.
Farming sources say that there may be little demand for the scheme here because calves are currently being sold for more than £100. But if prices fall there may be a greater demand.