States called on to stop the permanent tethering of cattle

ANIMAL welfare group Compassion in World Farming has called on the States to ban the use of permanent tethers for cattle.

In a statement, the group said the custom causes 'clear and avoidable suffering and, as such, amounts to cruelty'.

Calling the practice 'archaic', the group said it meant cows could not fully show natural behaviour.

In response to the statement from the protest group, the Commerce and Employment Department said the States veterinary officer actively monitors all farming.

C&E said it has no plans to seek a ban on tethering. However, it is 'actively looking' at licensing the activity when new animal welfare legislation is introduced.