Welfare of farm animals must be part of climate debate

Sir, – Caroline O’Doherty has again highlighted the unsustainable nature of the Irish agriculture model based on intensive cattle and dairy production (“Irish farming is unprepared for impact of climate change, says advisory council”, News, September 9th).

Not alone does this industry create the biggest contribution to Ireland’s carbon emissions, it is also having a devastating effect on water quality, biodiversity and the decline of native flora, fauna and birdlife.

Proposed efficiencies include fattening cattle faster for slaughter, so that each animal emits less greenhouse gas over its lifetime, and introducing lower-emission fertilisers and feed additives that reduce livestock belching. All of this is designed to continue the model of intensification.

The proposed interference with the natural bodily processes of these creatures to intensify production is dystopian in circumstances where millions of them already lead miserable existences and short lives. Serious moral, ethical and welfare issues concerning the lives and deaths of farmed animals are seldom discussed or articulated in climate/environmental debates. Rather than hidden from view, the lives and fate of animals need to be placed at the centre of the debate. – Yours, etc,