Teat tampering suspected at show
Investigations are underway after suspected cases of teat tampering to enhance cows' udders, at the Great Yorkshire Show.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) called the practice "totally unacceptable", but praised the scanning systems in place at the show, which allowed vets to identify these cases during routine checks.
President of the association, Peter Jones, said that vets play a crucial role in the planning of animal shows, and organisers must work alongside their vets to ensure animal welfare needs are met.
The BVA has worked closely with the Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations (ASAO) to create an Animal Welfare Plan for show organisers and their vets.
"We are very proud to have facilitated and supported the welfare plan and feel that this practical approach will have a positive effect on show animal welfare," says Mr Jones.
"Livestock shows provide a vital focus for rural communities and a shop window to the consumer. We must all pull together to stamp out the appalling behaviour of a few exhibitors who are tempted to compromise the welfare of their animals in the show ring."
The Animal Welfare Plan has now been distributed to all show secretaries, and is also available on the BVA's website.
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
