Sir, - Defenders of live exports of Irish cattle to Middle Eastern and North African countries constantly assure us that Ireland has the "highest welfare standards in the world" for the transportation of live cattle. However, until more information is made available to the public regarding live exports of farm animals from the Republic of Ireland, this cannot be conclusively proven.
We are told that the highest veterinary standards fully govern all aspects of transportation of live animals from Ireland to these countries. However, on most occasions, we are not informed of the plight of Irish cattle once they arrive in these countries. For example, these countries are well known for the brutality of their slaughter methods. Once delivered to Middle Eastern and North African abattoirs, Irish cattle will almost certainly have their throats cut and be left to bleed to death whilst fully conscious. Veterinary research leaves us in no doubt but the least painful way to slaughter animals is to stun them immediately before their throats are cut. A number of scientific studies have shown that there is a considerable time lapse between throat-cutting and loss of brain responsiveness. During this period an animal will still feel pain if it has not been stunned.
As a result of the BSE crisis live exports of Irish cattle to non-EU countries have decreased dramatically over the last year or so. Yet, over this period, the Irish economy has never been in such a buoyant state.
It is true that there may be a real market for live Irish cattle to Egypt. However if, for instance, a market opened up for exporting live cats and dogs to Egypt would this be acceptable? The answer would simply be no. Yet, scientific evidence has shown us that farm animals feel pain in much the same way as these domesticated animals do.
In general, there is a growing division between rural dwellers and urban dwellers over how farm animals should be perceived. To those people living in rural areas who are involved in agriculture, farm animals are seen purely as agricultural commodities. However, to a growing number of urban dwellers, farm animals are gaining recognition as sentient creatures (ie creatures capable of feeling pain and suffering). Until this division is properly addressed, producers will find themselves becoming more and more alienated from their potential customers. - Yours, etc.,
Model Farm Road,
Cork.