TRANSPORT OF CALVES

Waikato Independent, Volume XLI, Issue 3890, 11 August 1941, Page 7

TRANSPORT OF CALVES

NEED FOR SHELTER ALLEGATIONS OF CRUELTY With the bobby calf trade in full swing there is need for all connected with the business to observe the laws of humanity, which in some respects are reinforced by Government regulations, says an exchange. It is necessary for farmers who tether calves on the roadside to await the arrival of the carrier's lorry, to provide adequate shelter. Instances have been seen in North Tarauaki of calves being tethered on a windswept road with no other shelter than that provided by a seven-wire fence. The suffering of these small animals during the freezing winds of the past few days need not be enlarged upon. Calves en route to the works, if they are carried by rail, must be protected from inclement weather and the Railways Department provides covers for the trucks. On the other hand, calves which are transported by road vehicles are. frequently taken in lorries without any protection from stress of weather. Overloading of Trucks It is a,lso alleged that some carrier cause suffering by overloading their trucks with greater number;; of calves than can be carried without causing pain and in some cases injury. This practice has also the effect of depreciating the value of the animal when they ultimately reach the works. In another aspect it is pointed out there is ignorance displayed by sending immature calves to the works. The regulations set out that calves under three days old must not be lifted for delivery to the works, but instances have been reported of animals which were not 24 hours old being put out for collection by the lorries.