TAVISTOCK Livestock Centre has said it adheres to the highest standards after it received criticism from a member of the public over the state of its geese on Goose Fair Day.

In a letter sent to the Times by Tavistock resident Valerie Taylor it said she was ‘distressed’ to see the geese in a ‘terrible condition’.

‘I was so distressed to see the plight of some of the geese at the market waiting to be auctioned,’ she said. ‘They were in a terrible condition and had no straw for comfort.

‘They were laying in their own faeces and looked so thoroughly miserable. I am surprised that the cattle market allowed such beautiful creatures to be sold in this condition.

‘I have kept geese in the past and they were always preening and splashing in the pond and looking after their pure white features. If they have to be sold for Christmas then give them some dignity. I can only hope some kind person bought them that felt as disgusted as I did.’

But David Landick, market manager at the Livestock Centre, responded this week by saying: ‘Tavistock Livestock Centre has held the auction of geese and poultry for many, many years and while we understand the concerns of members of the public regarding the welfare of any animals within our care, we strictly follow legislation and various codes of conduct that apply to the industry.

‘We are regularly inspected by Trading Standards officers and Animal and Plant Health Agency veterinary surgeons. We are also inspected by Assured British Meat which is part of the Red Tractor scheme to ensure we are following the high industry standards.

‘Whilst no Trading Standards officer was present for the poultry sale this year, we have had regular visits for poultry sales in recent years with no problems.’