Farmers union defends livestock exports

Wed, 15 Feb 2017

The Manx National Farmers Unions insists the Isle of Man has the highest levels of animal welfare in response to a petition calling for livestock exports to be banned.

The organisation confirmed all cattle leaving the Island for slaughter undergo vet checks before travel and are placed in an approved wagon, while farmers are legally responsible for ensuring animals don't suffer unnecessarily.

The union also describes some of the statements made by a campaign calling for the ban as derogatory.

The statement from the Manx NFU adds that animals also leave the Island for breeding programs, sale of stock and to attend shows and events, not just for slaughter.

A petition urging the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture to stop animals being taken off Island for slaughter has gained almost 2,000 signatures.