Colchester livestock market has been singled out for stinging criticism in a report by an animal welfare group.

It says pigs have been kicked, dealers and hauliers have no compassion for the animals and cattle have overgrown hooves.

Information in Animal Aid's graphic study Bartered Lives published today (Tuesday) has been provided by members of Colchester group Horror Out Of Farming (HOOF).

Photos taken by HOOF and included in the report include a bullock shot dead by police after it escaped from the market held off Ipswich Road.

Juliette Gardner, of HOOF, said: "We would like to see the stick used less. It's used far too often. And we would like there to be a lot more patience.

"The animals travel far, they are confused, they may never have been to market before, yet they are treated with intolerance."

She said the Welfare of Animals Market Order 1990 is constantly broken at the Tuesday market - smaller sales are also held three other days a week.

HOOF members have attended every market for the last five years.

Graham Ellis, a partner in market operator Stanfords, said: "We are an open market and have nothing to hide.

"We are monitored very carefully by trading standards, the RSPCA and ministry vet are in attendance every market day. If they are not happy we would be liable for prosecution."

The report claims cattle suffer from sore feet because as they have been raised on soft ground, they go lame when they have to walk on the market's concrete floor.

Mr Ellis said straw yards were not good for hardening cattle's hoofs and they notice the difference at the market with its hard floors, but he said staff put straw down to alleviate the problem.

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