RTÉ News takes a look at a report that examines the relationship between people and their pets and farm animals.
At Our Lady's Hospital in Ennis county Clare Doctor Moosajee Bhamjee and his colleagues have been exploring the effect that the death of a farm animal or pet has on the mental illness of the animal's owner. Although many people will have been aware of the loss suffered by humans on the death of a pet animal the loss of a farm animal can be equally traumatic for the owner.
Dr Bhamjee explains the close relationship in Ireland between the farmer and his cow and describes some cases of depression he has seen triggered by the death of a cow. At Ashgrove dairy farm just outside Ennis the cows enjoy music while being milked. Farmer Seamus Marlborough says this practice has been going on for about 25 years. Although he is not sure if it helps increase the yield Seamus says that the cows and the farmers enjoy the music which is more RTÉ Radio 2 than Mozart.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 4 April 1986. The reporter is Colm Connolly.
