MP Michael Dunkley last night moved to reassure people that the Island's milk supply was of top quality following a clampdown on dairy farmers by animal welfare officers.

Mr. Dunkley, head of Dunkley's Dairies, said he had received calls from members of the public concerned about the standard of milk in Bermuda.

They followed a photograph in The Royal Gazette on Saturday showing cows standing in up to 14 inches of mud, faeces and urine at Westover Farm in Somerset, which supplies to Dunkley's Dairies.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) ordered owner of the meat and dairy farm, Richard Bascome, to clean up the mess or face health officials.

And yesterday, SPCA Inspector Charles Whited said significant progress had already been made.

But Mr. Dunkley said the problems at Westover Farm were not insurmountable and said it was purely bad luck that Mr. Bascome had been unable to complete building work at his farm due to bad weather, resulting in the problem.

And he said customers had no need to worry about the standard of milk in Bermuda.

The UBP MP said: "I think what people need to realise is that the local dairy farmers stay in very close communication with us, as good business practices would dictate anywhere.

"Mr. Bascome told us a couple of weeks ago he was having problems and that the wet weather was delaying his plans to provide a concreted area.

"We have high quality locally produced milk that people should be proud of and we maintain those very high standards at the plant.

"Every afternoon the product is tested, so any irregularity would be very quickly picked up.

"I will categorically say that I am very proud of the product we produce. The cows at Westover Farm are thoroughly cleaned before milking and there is no risk at all.'' And he said people should remember that cows will only produce milk if they are happy, comfortable and in good health.

"We appreciate there has been a problem, but it was a temporary one,'' he said.

"Mr. Bascome is a good dairy farmer and he just did not have the opportunity to deal with the situation.

"Hopefully, he can clear this up.'' Mr. Bascome has been involved in the dairy cow business for decades and refuted claims that his cows were at risk.

He said he was unhappy they had to trudge through inches of mud in order to eat, but said they had dry, clean areas to stand and lie down in.

And he said throughout the wet weather his priority had to be feeding them, even if it meant they were subjected to sludge.

But members of the public had called the SPCA after witnessing cows standing in sludge, some up to their udders, in order to eat from their troughs.

Yesterday, Mr. Bascome said he had improved the area over the weekend by moving the foundations from the planned concrete area and building up the area in front of the troughs.

Mr. Whited visited the farm last week and ordered Mr. Bascome clean up the area.

And yesterday the inspector said he was pleased with the progress made over the weekend.

He added: "There has been significant progress made and we are satisfied with the improved conditions.

"The cows appear to be very contented and comfortable where they are. We will continue to monitor the facilities during the coming days.'' ANIMALS ALS