DAFM takes action against 6 marts over calf welfare breaches
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has confirmed that it has taken enforcement action against six marts and seven individuals in relation to alleged animal welfare breaches.
The action arose following the broadcast of the RTÉ Investigates programme titled 'Milking It: Dairy’s Dirty Secret' in July 2023.
Footage from several marts around the country documented calves being kicked, beaten with sticks, dragged by their ears and tails, and thrown on and off trailers.
Following the broadcast, DAFM said that it "conducted investigations into suspected animal welfare-related offences that may have occurred in six mart premises".
A spokesperson at the department said that these investigations encompassed a detailed examination of over 19 hours of unedited footage obtained from RTÉ, records retained by the marts and all relevant legislation.
"Veterinary experts reviewed the footage and investigators were assigned to carry out follow-up investigations into the alleged breaches.
"Matters of concern, identified by veterinary experts, were brought to the attention of mart managers, who were instructed to examine all of the issues raised and to implement immediate remedial action," the spokesperson said.
DAFM said its investigation into these matters has now concluded and appropriate enforcement action has been taken against six livestock mart operators and seven other individuals.
The action related to alleged breaches of welfare-related obligations under S.I. No. 675/2006 - European Communities (Animal Transport and Control Post) Regulations 2006.
In the case of more serious alleged offences, the department has submitted separate files to the chief state solicitor's office for the purpose of summary prosecution of two mart operators for alleged breaches of welfare-related obligations under S.I. No. 675/2006.
"For other alleged offences, the department issued 15 fixed payment notices to 4 other mart operators and 7 other individuals for breaches of welfare-related obligations under S.I. No. 675/2006.
"A fixed payment notice issued under S.I. No. 675/2006 requires a payment of €250 be made within a 28-day period to avoid prosecution proceedings being initiated in respect of the alleged offence.
"All recipients of fixed payment notices in these matters made the €250 payment within the 28-day period to avoid prosecution proceedings being initiated in respect of the alleged offence," the spokesperson added.
DAFM said that since live prosecution proceedings remain in progress, it would not be appropriate for the department to provide any further details or comment.
