The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) called for an immediate halt to the export of calves from Ireland to France and the Netherlands after publishing videos of alleged violence against Irish calves at a site in France.

The ISPCA stated that they were shocked and indignant at the shots released by the Animal Eyes animal protection groups: physical abuse, kicking, dragging behind the ears, throwing and other bullying of animals before they were slaughtered in France.

“We urge Agriculture Minister Michael Creed to launch an immediate investigation and immediately suspend the export of calves from Ireland to France and the Netherlands until the investigation is completed,” the statement said.

ISPCA said it was time for the government to explore alternatives to live export of calves, including raising male dairy calves to produce beef or veal. The Green Party said on May 6 that livestock exports were unethical and called for bans on such trade.

Minister Creed condemned the alleged ill-treatment of Irish calves in videos that are distributed on the Internet. The Minister also condemned any abuse of livestock and said that he urges all persons who have direct information or evidence of violations of animal welfare conditions to immediately report this directly to the relevant authorities.