Sir: We would like to comment on ‘Delamere defends farm accused of cruelty in Daily Mail exposé’. In the Mail, the farmer admitted “he was operating outside the rules on removing or disbudding horns”. What the article did not examine was how far outside the rules he was.
The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 requires that the procedure must be undertaken by a vet because of the risk of injury and pain to these baby animals. It is also recommends it should be under general anaesthesia. It appears neither happened here. Are farmers now above the law?
There is also the issue of consumers being led to believe goat farming is small scale. Intensive farming is now the norm. While goats were allowed outside to pasture at the farm supplying Delamere, other farms are zero-grazing too. Goat farming is not a kinder alternative.
Justin Kerswell, Viva! campaigns manager
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