There is little doubt that animal welfare issues fuelled by the media, TV programmes, etc are becoming an area of concern that should worry every farmer or animal owner. What was once considered acceptable to a population with a very strong rural background may often not be deemed acceptable today, especially when observed by urban dwellers.
The change in society’s perspective has been brought home to me this Spring by the number of cases I have heard about where clients have received visits from the SPCA or MAF as a result of complaints from members of the public. The Bobby calves issue presented on TV have led to the development of a sector of the public who are very concerned with looking over the road fence, assuming the worst and phoning the authorities. Even though there was no basis to the cases I have heard about, it was still a difficult issue for the farmer to deal with.
It is essential for the image of our livestock industries that all farmers have their house in order and especially so where observations can be made by the general public. Foot abscesses in cows, broken legs, even fly struck sheep and the like are all welfare issues. Farmers need to take appropriate action in all such cases.
Appropriate action in welfare terms will require one of the following:
- Appropriate treatment. 2. Calling a veterinarian. 3. Destroying the animal.
For farmers with employees, protocols should be set to handle welfare situations. Leaving a distressed cow over the weekend because the boss is away to approve destroying it will not be acceptable to a welfare officer.