Immobiliser ban provokes concerns over human safety
Many farmers and some vets disagree with this, on the grounds of their own safety when handling livestock. Accidents during livestock handling account for a sizeable percentage of serious injuries and fatalities on farms each year — and they are increasing. Both farmers and vets have argued the necessity for continued use of immobilisers to ease animal handling difficulties.
They were advised to breed more docile animals.
Every cattle farmer is aware that handling animals has become more difficult, due to a wilder strain of cattle arriving here, perhaps connected to suckler and part time farming.
Wild cattle are a headache on any farm.
Many farmers dread them because of the difficulties in controlling and handling them. Apparently, some vets have advised farmers they will not handle their stock without an electro-immobiliser.
Which is better when handling a wild animal — prudent use of an effective control measure or risk of a serious injury or a fatality?
Common sense should prevail. It is not good enough for the department to suggest breeding quieter animals. The department also carries responsibility for livestock breeding here over the decades.
It has permitted the import of breeds noted for their wild temperaments, and allowed continued use of sires producing cattle which prove difficult to handle. It is far too simplistic to advise breeding quieter animals — a process which requires many generations of genetic selection.
