Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
1286. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what measures have been taken to ensure calf welfare at marts; if there have been any changes to rules around stocking density in the pens, the provision of food, bedding and water; and what checks are being made to ensure calves staying overnight are fed in the evening and morning (details supplied). [1763/24]
View answerThe welfare of calves at marts is protected by legislation and appropriate enforcement action where breaches or shortcomings are identified. Marts are required to comply with all relevant EU and national animal welfare legislation in order to be licensed. As part of the licence conditions, the mart operator must produce and implement an Animal Health and Welfare Standard Operating Procedure for mart personnel incorporating animal handling, droving, loading, unloading, segregation of animals unsuitable for sale, suitability of animal accommodation, watering, feeding, bedding and animal identification. Mart personnel who handle animals must have a certificate of competence following completion of a training course based on Animal Welfare principles, and the rules described in relevant EU and national Legislation. Mart staff who complete drover training satisfy these requirements. Compliance by marts with legislation is monitored by my Department's veterinary and technical staff through regular official control inspections.
