Jenny Horner's rant about "farmers crying crocodile tears last year" (Letters, July 31) has sickened those who have lost animals and suffered as a result of the disastrous foot and mouth epidemic.
Hundreds of North Yorkshire farmers witnessed the slaughter of their livestock - a life-time's work - and are still rebuilding their lives and farms a year on from the tragedy.
With regard to exporting livestock, the UK has some of the most stringent animal transportation controls in place which take into account the welfare of animals.
On-going research continues to be undertaken into this area. UK legislation such as the UK's Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order is incorporated within strict EU rules on the transportation of animals.
While we would prefer that animals be slaughtered in the UK and then exported in meat form, the UK is part of the European Union and therefore has to abide by EU rules on the transportation of animals.
Rob Simpson,
NFU PR Officer,
York.
...THE re-start in exporting live farm animals for slaughter to far off countries highlights one of the cruellest trades.
These creatures should not have to endure such horrendous journeys that entail suffering. It should be banned.
D James,
Huntington Road,
York.
Updated: 09:33 Saturday, August 03, 2002
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