Sir, - Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) is anxiously watching developments concerning the proposed live trade to Libya. We fear that if this goes ahead it could be a further blow to farm animal welfare.In a recently released video expose, filmed by a team of CIWF investigators in the Lebanon, shocking scenes of brutality and appalling pre-slaughter handling are revealed. There is now clear evidence that farm animal welfare standards in non-EU countries such as the Lebanon can be appallingly low. It is therefore an outrageous proposal to open up yet another market for live cattle. We call on Minister Walsh to think again.New legislation supposedly tying the payment of export refunds to the welfare of cattle is a desperate attempt to give a respectable face to an immensely cruel trade.
Cattle will still have to endure long-distance sea-crossings and there is no requirement for animals to be checked on arrival at their final destination, the slaughterhouse. It is a further disgrace that this trade is fuelled by European taxpayers' money.CIWF would prefer to see a humane trade in meat exports. The proposed National Beef Assurance Scheme should ensure that Irish beef is of the highest quality. We would therefore ask the Libyan delegation to instead push for a trade in meat.CIWF believes that all farm animals should be slaughtered humanely as close to the home farm as possible. Not only would this be of benefit to farm animal welfare, but could also lead to the retention in Ireland of valuable jobs in meat processing and allied industries. - Yours, etc., Aoife Ni Fhearghail,Campaigns Officer, Compassion in World Farming,Hanover Street,Cork.