Gareth Hateley (MA VetMB) who runs DaneTree Veterinary Practice in Oxfordshire, and Sandra Chesebrough (BVSc BA) of Broughton Veterinary Centre in Lincoln are both RCVS registered Vets who treat livestock.

Food and Food Production Animal Welfare Team:
Do you believe that reasons cattle need visiting on a farm are a result of the animals being maltreated?
Gareth Hateley:
Very few of the animals I see, or have seen, are treated cruelly. We do see some that have been inappropriately treated (for example – wrwong choice of antibiotic, or the farmer slow to recognize symptoms of severe diseases), but not regarded as a serious problem.
Sandra Chesebrough:
All of the cattle that require my attention were in situations that were not a result of being maltreated. Most of the cattle I see have health problems such as calvings, fertility, and pneumonia.
FFPAWT:
Do you believe good husbandry is practised in UK farms today, at least at the ones you service?
GH:
I believe good husbandry is practised on the majority of farms under my care. The stocksmen are usually trained well and can spot signs of early animal sickness. Also, I am involved with the development and monitoring of herd health plans on both conventional and organic farms.

Gareth Hateley and Sandra Chesebrough were both quick to agree that from their experience and being in the industry, most farmers in the UK do follow the “Five Freedoms” guideline. They see these freedoms as a “necessary baseline of good principles”.