A local representative of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association says the examples of animal cruelty that were broadcast on an RTÉ programme last night were disturbing.
The Minister for Agriculture has condemned the incidents adding that they were certainly not reflective of the work that farmers put into managing their farm enterprises responsibly.
Brendan Barry says the examples focused mainly on the dairy sector.
He says the big drive that was launched to encourage dairy farmers to ramp up production is also a contributing factor to the abuse of calves by some farmers.
