Programme on live calf transport ‘alarmist’

Scotland’s chief vet has insisted “high welfare standards” are in place when animals are transported overseas, branding a recent TV programme about the practice “alarmist”.

Sheila Voas, who is Scotland’s chief veterinary officer, said she wanted to “reassure” the public on the issue.

Ms Voas spoke out after ferry company P&O announced it was halting the transportation of live calves from Scotland after the screening of a BBC documentary.

Rural affairs minister Mairi Gougeon said she was concerned by that decision.

Ms Voas said much of the commentary around the practice “could be politely referred to as alarmist”.

The Scottish Government is carrying out a year’s worth of research to determine the effects on the calves from these journeys.

Ms Voas stated: “I want to reassure the public that Scotland has a responsible dairy industry that cares about the welfare of these animals and is subject to the highest standards of welfare as regulated by European law.”

She added: “There are a small numbers of calves being transported to Spain for fattening and production… some reports have distorted the reality of these journeys.”