Cruelty to calves

Might I suggest to the SNP Government’s chief veterinary adviser (“Programme on live calf transport ‘alarmist’”, The Scotsman, 14 September) that the only thing alarmist about last week’s BBC1 programme on the live transport of calves for slaughter (or their convenient offing at birth) was it was shown before the 9pm watershed and accordingly was and can only be described as tame.

This contrasts with C4’s programme in 2012 when dayold calves were shown being lined up and shot. Harrowing for most viewers undoubtedly, but the broadcast was supported by several animal welfare charities.

Sheila Voas glibly states that she wants to reassure the public that all is well; she must know her views are not unanimously held by her peers and other scientists and in public perception – maybe consumers have no voice? Maybe they should find one.

I wonder, for example, whether she would advise SNP agriculture spokesman Fergus Ewing to legislate for the legal recognition of most animals as sentient?

Said minister, of course, and his party oppose any ban on live transportation on spurious grounds. There is, though, peer-reviewed, clear-cut evidence that improved animal welfare standards within the supply chain is economically positive.

I am a meat-eater and drink milk. I wear leather products. I lived on a dairy, beef

and lamb- raising farm for 18 years and notwithstanding will undoubtedly be criticised as an emotional, uneducated city dweller.

Enlightened thinkers will in my view be able to see that for young bull dairy calves there are alternative options to cruel transport or to what some view as cruel and inhumane premature death.

DOUGLAS MCBEAN West Pilton Way, Edinburgh