PROFIT or animal welfare? Where is the dividing line of running a profitable dairy farm to the humane treatment of farm animals? The answer is there shouldn’t be.

If you are responsible for the welfare of any living creature then welfare should be your primary responsibility.

I really have to congratulate the member of the public who reported the unbelievable treatment of new-born calves and their mothers, as well as the County Gazette for bringing to the attention of its readers this horrific treatment (‘Unacceptable’ farm abuse, Gazette, December 29).

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The question is, if this is one reported case how many other farmers in this county have individuals and practices of a similar nature occurring on a daily basis treating their animals possibly in an identical way?

It was noticeable the farmer in this case, although not condoning such practices, appeared more concerned how these sickening events were made public.

In this specific case, another question that needs to be answered is how a person such as this 18-year-old who was filmed throwing, kicking, and dragging new-born calves around like sacks of grain ever managed to get employment involving animals?

The lad had as much empathy towards these creatures as a lump of wood.

Somerset County Gazette:

It was noticeable that the language used towards these creatures in his care such as the “c” word and the “f” word may suggest this individual has some emotional problems that may require professional help.

My advice is to ensure this non-entity is never permitted to be in charge of any living thing again.

Another question is surely his behaviour would have been previously noticed by others on the farm? What training in animal welfare did he receive?

Finally I wish to add I look forward to that one organisation that still, thank God, can investigate and prosecute these cases if necessary, the RSPCA.

I await their enquiry.

EAMONN LENISTON
Monkton Heathfield