Veterinary Ireland wants immobiliser ban review
Veterinary Ireland has claimed that the alternatives to immobilisers which have been suggested are unsuitable in many farm situations, and the immobiliser ban will significantly increase the risk of serious injury to vets treating difficult animals.
Under ministerial order by Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan, use of an electro-immobiliser will be illegal from September 1.
Individual vets have claimed that their stark choice rests between breaking of the law by using the immobiliser or running the risk of injury dealing with difficult animals on farms.
According to a Veterinary Ireland statement: “We believe that veterinary surgeons should have the facility to use electro-immobilisation in strict accordance with an agreed approach in circumstances where, in their professional judgement, animal welfare and/or human health and safety are likely to be compromised.”
They state that vets, when restraining and carrying out interventions on large animals, are conscious of their obligations in protecting the welfare of these animals under their care, and their obligation under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1989 to protect employees and third parties from injuries.
They point out that particular risks arise with dehorning, which is carried out in order for farmers to meet the legal requirement that cattle must not be traded if they have horns.
Veterinary Ireland has proposed that an awareness programme should commence to promote early dis-budding of calves so as to avoid having to dehorn cattle at a later stage, and they have suggested clear guidelines for the use by vets of electro-immobilisers in the treatment of animals.
One vet explained: “In present day Ireland, cattle have become wilder due to the introduction of foreign breeds that are aggressive by nature, and to the reduction in the amount of time that the farmer who has an off-farm job is in contact with them. Neighbours are no longer available to lend a hand as they are in regular employment. Many farmers are of late middle age or elderly, and are not physically able to restrain the animal. For these reasons, risk of serious injury has become a major problem for vets in cattle practice.”
He said there are many practical situations for vets treating animals or carrying out necessary procedures where the alternatives to the immobiliser are not suitable, and increase the risks involved for both the vet and the animal.
