Congratulations to the journalists from RTE (Ireland) who exposed on TV the fate of calves from the dairy industry last year with Eyes on Animals, L214 and Ethical Farming Ireland. They won for best Current Affairs documentary at the Royal Television Awards!
Every year, between February and April, tens of thousands of Irish calves, just a couple of weeks old, are exported on very long journeys to veal factories in the Netherlands, most producing for VAN DRIE. The calves are never fed according to the EU feeding interval requirements, and thus this trade, of such young unweaned calves, is illegal and cruel. At such an age their immune system is also at their lowest ever. The life that awaits them in the Netherlands limits most behaviour, such as running, walking, playing, resting in the sunshine and fresh air, proper socializing or suckling from a mother cow. Always kept indoors, on slatted floors without bedding, and no space or novelty to explore. In 2024, this harsh treatment of calves should be phased out. This documentary, and the renewed attention now given to it via this prize, will hopefully help facilitate the end.
To watch the program visit this link: https://www.rte.ie/player/movie/rté-investigates-dairy-s-dirty-secret/418643496038
