Vets fear threat of “wild” livestock

HUNDREDS of vets around the country have contacted the Department of Agriculture expressing concerns over the impending ban on electro-immobilisers.

The Irish Veterinary Association (IVA) is expected to seek an urgent meeting with the Minister for Agriculture immediately after the formation of the Government, to discuss the implications of immobilisers not being available to vets for large animal procedures from September 1.

The Department of Agriculture has announced that their use will become illegal 10 weeks from now. The equipment will however continue to be legal in Northern Ireland, Scotland and several other European countries.