We are responsible for the enforcement of animal health and welfare legislation which protects the welfare of livestock on farms, at markets and during transportation.

Our duties include:

• regular farm inspections to ensure welfare standards are met and the on farm records provide full traceability
• checking animals are correctly identified on farm, at markets and abattoirs
• transit checks to ensure the animals welfare during transport and correct identification and documents are accompanying the animals
• ensuring cleansing and disinfection and animal movement rules are adhered to thus  keeping disease risk to a minimum
• ensuring fallen stock is disposed of promptly and correctly
• providing advice to local farmers and businesses on animal health matters

Disease  and bio-security

Good husbandary and bio-security measures are vital to control and eradicate animal disease. Futher information on animal deseases is available from Defra.

Transport

Legislation is in place to ensure that the welfare of animals is protected during transport. We achieve this by carrying out inspections, on the road, at markets, abattoirs etc.

Further information on animal welfare during transport is available from Defra.

Fallen stock

Fallen stock can no longer be buried or burnt in the open because of the risk of disease spread through groundwater or air pollution. Animals must be taken to or collected by an approved knacker, hunt kennel, incinerator or renderer, either by private arrangement, or under the National Fallen Stock Scheme.

The commercial document that accompanies each consignment must be retained for two years by the owner of the carcase, the haulier and the destination premise.

Further information on controls on animal by-products, including fallen stock, is available from Defra

Guidance for keepers

Guidance is available from Defra for each of the following species.

• Pigs
• Cattle
• Sheep and goats
• Poultry
• Horses