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Live transport of calves amounting to animal cruelty, High Court told

Summary

In a High Court hearing on 18 July 2022, Ethical Farming Ltd challenged the State's policy allowing the live export of unweaned calves by sea to continental Europe. The NGO argued that such journeys, which can last up to 28 hours, breach EU animal welfare regulations because calves are not fed or given liquids during the trip. They also claimed that transporters fail to keep accurate departure logs, a requirement under EU law, and that incomplete information was provided in response to freedom‑of‑information requests. An expert report cited that calves can tolerate only about eight hours without milk, leading to hunger, distress, dehydration, higher mortality and disease. Ethical Farming seeks an order that the Minister complies with EU regulations, a declaration that the policy causes injury and suffering, and a declaration that inadequate record‑keeping breaches EU law. The case was heard ex‑parte by Mr Justice Charles Meenan and will resume after the new legal year.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Live transport of calves amounting to animal cruelty, High Court told. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• 2022-07-18 Publication

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Stage Trial

Read the original CNI report