Humane disposal of infant calves and possible outlets
(for Scotland)
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Infant calves must be killed humanely, and without avoidable excitement, pain and suffering. Calves killed on farm within 36 hours of birth (dairy), 20 days of birth (non-dairy), do not require eartags or passports, however, their births and deaths must be notified to the British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS).
There are specified fire arms considered suitable for the slaughter of calves such as certain rifles, shot guns, captive bolt equipment (heaviest charge recommended) and ‘humane’ killers (only to be used by experienced operators). Whichever of the above weapons is chosen to kill the calf, the target area in the middle of the forehead is the same and must be adhered to. Carcasses must be disposed of in accordance with the Animal By-Products (Enforcement) (Scotland) Regulations 2011.
If an animal is to be slaughtered outside a licensed slaughterhouse (such as on a farm), the owner must observe the requirements of the Welfare of Animals (Slaughter and Killing) Regulations 1995 (as amended), the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 and the Welfare of Farmed Animals (Scotland) Regulations 2010.
