The British Veterinary Association has waded into the controversy over 'teat tampering', which re-emerged this week after the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, organisers of the Great Yorkshire Show, announced investigations had been launched into cheating and animal welfare abuse in the show's livestock showing event.

YAS said cryptically that a "substance" had been used to "enhance" the appearance of two cows. Concerns were raised by vets during routine checks on the animals, and samples of the substance were subsequently sent for analysis. As the test results will take upwards of two weeks to return, the cattle in question will still be allowed to compete, though any winnings will be forfeited and the exhibitors may be banned from showing in the future if evidence of foul play is uncovered.

The show's honorary director Bill Cowling acknowledged that the 'tampering' under investigation is "Something that is perceived to be a problem" in livestock showing, which he said he is glad show officials are addressing.

On Friday, BVA highlighted the importance of veterinary involvement animal showing events. The Association called on the organisers of all such events to use the Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations (ASAO) Animal Welfare Plan, to ensure vets are on hand to act as a deterrent, as well as uncovering and tackling such welfare abuses.

BVA President Peter Jones, added, "Tampering to enhance cows' udders is totally unacceptable on animal welfare grounds. Thankfully the Great Yorkshire Show has an effective scanning system in place and the show vets were able to identify these suspected cases through routine examination."

He continued, "Livestock shows provide a vital focus for rural communities and a shop window to the consumer. We must all pull together to stamp out the appalling behaviour of a few exhibitors who are tempted to compromise the welfare of their animals in the show ring."

Following growing awareness of tactics adopted by some unscrupulous competitors in livestock shows, including pumping cows' udders full of gas before sealing them with glue, leaving the animals in 'severe discomfort' for up to a full day, Defra last year said it would prosecute anyone found to be violating welfare laws in this way. Those convicted of such welfare abuse could face a six month jail term.