15 June 2007

The export of live calves to the continent should be banned according to Gillingham and Rainham MP, Paul Clark.

Yesterday, Mr Clark put his name to a House of Commons motion calling on the Government to work with the farming industry to develop a humane alternative.

The motion supports a Compassion in World Farming and RSPCA campaign which claims that since the resumption of the trade in May 2006, tens of thousands of young calves have been exported through Dover to the continent to be reared for veal.

Mr Clark has previously supported the ban on the confined veal crate when the government brought forward measures to improve the welfare of exported animals.

Once exported calves reach mainland Europe they are often kept on concrete or slatted floors without any straw or other bedding. Such systems are illegal in the UK.

He said: “I am particularly concerned at reports that shipping calves in severe weather has caused deaths and injuries. The Government has banned these inhumane practices in the UK and should do everything possible to promote similar standards of welfare across Europe.”

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Notes to Editors
1. For further info ring Scott Young 020 7219 5207
2. EDM 395    EXPORT OF LIVE CALVES

That this House is firmly opposed to the export of live calves; supports the efforts of Compassion in World Farming and the RSPCA to end this inhumane trade; deplores the fact that since the resumption of exports in May 2006 tens of thousands of young calves have been exported through Dover to the continent to be reared for veal; is concerned that some calves have been sent all the way to Spain on journeys that can take over 60 hours; fears that the volume of calf exports could rise substantially over the next year; notes that young calves suffer greatly during long journeys; further deplores the fact that shipping calves in severe weather has caused deaths and injuries; further notes that once they reach the continent, calves are often kept on concrete or slatted floors without any straw or other bedding; further notes that such barren systems are illegal in the UK; urges dairy farmers to end the export of calves; further urges the dairy and beef sectors and the Government to work together to develop humane and economically viable uses for male dairy calves; and calls on the Government to press dairy farmers to end the export of live calves.