13 SEPTEMBER 2019

ICSA Animal Health & Welfare chair Hugh Farrell has said the number of uncollected fallen animals on farms will reach crisis levels if the dispute between the Animal Collectors’ Association (ACA) and the Department of Agriculture continues for much longer. “It is totally unacceptable that over 3,000 fallen cattle are lying in farmyards, with no way for them to be removed,” he said.

“This is an issue that must be resolved, and the Department of Agriculture must recognise the urgency of the situation. If the current situation continues, farmers must be allowed to bury the carcasses of fallen animals on-farm. ICSA is also adamant the cost for farmers of disposing an animal must be addressed. At a time when margins are so tight, farmers are fed up of having to pay exorbitant fees to knackeries.”

“A revision of the 125km rule must also be a priority, due to the high cost of disposing category one offal. This rule is a is a big blocking point for going to the north for most knackeries. It only leaves two that could operate, one in Cavan and one on Sligo.”

“There are ways to move this dispute forward and it has to be done sooner rather than later. Talks must start on Monday. It’s already creating big problems on farms and this animal welfare issue could well become a human welfare issue, if a resolution is not reached soon.”

ENDS