British actress Joanna Lumley joined members of Compassion In World Farming (CIWF) yesterday to present a petition against the reinstatement of live veal calf exports to British Agriculture Minister Ben Bradshaw. The Absolutely Fabulous star is hoping to shame the UK government into upholding the export ban, which was put in place in 1996 to prevent the spread of BSE (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy). She says, "There are so many people in this country who are just horrified by any unnecessary cruelty in the rearing of farm animals. I think everybody thought that this trade had ceased. There is also this horrific journey. Often if they survive the journey they succumb to secondary illnesses. Our message is don't start this vile export again." CIWF estimates that British calves would be shipped out to Europe at a rate of 500,000 per year, and subsequently, reared in cramped conditions and made to sleep on concrete floors with no straw. The ban is due to be lifted next week.
- 5/3/2006
- WENN
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