Cough

Sometimes I despair of our legal system. This was the wrong decision. For generations the rule has been simple. If a cow tests positive then it is slaughtered. This one decision in the High Court now sets a dangerous precedent. Why should anyone let the government slaughter their cattle? It may not be a religious cow we are talking about next, but is a cow that is someones livelihood any less important.


TB is a disease that ravages humans and animals alike. And a disease on the increase. Not only on the increase, but drug resistant forms are on the increase. So those who are thining that they can happily continue looking after Shambo because if they get TB then they can go on antibiotics had better be really sure they know the risks.

One of the arguments is that Shambo isn't showing signs. Well no. That's the point of the test. Catch the disease early on. Perhaps BEFORE it spreads elsewhere. And although the test itself may not be 100% accurate the fact that there are other reactors in the same herd suggests that there is a problem. Do we have to wait until the community has a mass outbreak of TB? Well I suppose it would make sure we really knew.



Lastly, they talk about Shambos welfare. He isn't doing any harm. Look, they say, he can't spread anything because he isn't in contact with other cattle. Well, those who think that is a good argument should take a look around. You might just notice that cattle are herd animals. Do you really think you can use a welfare argument when you are preventing an animal from being in contact with his own kind? I think that you are breaking some of the Five Freedoms there.