Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

There was widespread disgust last night at the vile scenes and blatant disregard for our existing laws shown on the investigative programme by “Prime Time”. Young calves were being kicked, beaten with sticks, dragged by their tails, legs or ears and thrown on and off trailers. These cruel practices by some people in some marts are very much not reflective of how handlers, mart staff and farmers treat animals.

I welcome the investigation undertaken by the Department. I am conscious that will take time. It needs to be thorough and prompt. In the meantime, we need accountability. The Taoiseach has said this is not about one sector or another. There is cruelty and people have broken the law. We need accountability. The people in the footage who were breaking the law and engaging in cruel practices should not remain in their jobs. Is that an approach the Government will take on this? These people should not be next or near animals.

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