I AM writing to you in response to an article in last week’s edition.

I am shocked at the information missing. They failed to mention that I had the backing of my own vets on this issue, the calf had no temperature as it had been medicated and the result of the lab report which clearly states the calf was dying from copper poisoning which it had from its birth mother and had nothing to do with the care it received while on my farm as the calf was bought in.

I have a huge issues with what happened.

Welfare officers attended the farm on July 24. They re-attended on the 25th with the AVHLA vet, at this point it was agreed to put this calf down.

If I am guilty of leaving this calf overnight, where does that leave the actions on the 24th of the welfare officers?

A guilty plea was agreed to on the agreement of no press. I would urge any other farmers who get into this position with the welfare to fight it all the way despite the want to get it behind you.

During the visit it was decided to do a tag check without me being present. It later became apparent some major errors were made.

BCMS asked if I wanted to make a formal complaint which I didn’t at that time.

To conclude, I believe officers should be there to help and not try to portray themselves as the enemy.

Mr Sharpe did all he could to help, unfortunately the same could not be said of all.

DAVID ROLES

By email