News that the remains of up to 400 dead calves were discovered on a farm in Garryspillane, Co Limerick, will shock and dismay but not surprise many people in the dairy industry.
The Garda said it is currently liaising with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine on the issue. The main exit route to the continental veal market for these calves is expected to soon be cut off due to a domestic legal challenge from Ethical Farming Ireland and European Commission concerns over animal welfare. This will leave a vast number of low-value animals in the country every year and create a huge political and practical nightmare for farmers, farm organisations and the Department of Agriculture.