Animal health overview
Perth & Kinross Council is responsible for the enforcement of a range of animal welfare legislation, principally the animal Health & Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006, animal Health Act 1981, Agricultural (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1968 and European communities Act 1972 and subordinate legislation.
The Trading Standards service enforces this legislation and has the responsibility of safeguarding the health and welfare of livestock in Perth and Kinross whilst on farm, in transit and at markets.
The council is keen to work with farmers and people keeping livestock in order to protect business and public health. By providing advice and information to those involved in keeping livestock, any burden to business can be minimised and animal and public health safeguarded.
The service is also involved in restricting movement of animals in the event of a disease outbreak; therefore it is a duty to ensure all stakeholders maintain all relevant records to enable animals and their movements to be traced. This is done through enforcement carried out in line with the Trading Standards Enforcement Policy, the observance of licence conditions, and referral to relevant Codes of Practice.
| In its response to disease the service will: either follow its own contingency plans or those devised and maintained by SEERAD the Scottish Executive Environmental Rural Affairs Department - according to circumstances. |
Stakeholder consultation with statutory partners SEERAD, SVS, the police, Environmental Health and other local authorities, and cooperation with the non statutory partners such as the SSPCA, National Farmers Union Scotland, local vets, voluntary organisations and the farming community also forms an important part of the unit’s service delivery.
The 'five freedoms'.
Perth & Kinross Council considers that all animals have the right to enjoy five basic freedoms;
- Freedom from hunger and thirst. By access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vision.
- Freedom from discomfort. By provision of an appropriate environment including shelter and rest area.
- Freedom from pain, injury or disease. By preventing or rapid diagnosis and appropriate treatment including humane slaughter.
- Freedom to express normal behaviour. By providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company.
- Freedom from fear and distress. By ensuring that conditions and treatment avoid mental suffering
Each of these freedoms will be referred to by officers in the exercise of their statutory powers and when seeking to take practical measures to avoid unnecessary suffering or distress.
Enforcement
The Animal Health service will promote, influence and improve animal welfare standards with Perth and Kinross.
This will be done through:
- On Farm Inspections- to check records and welfare
- Attendance at Markets and Slaughterhouses- to ensure correct stock transportation, fitness of livestock; correct handling/penning and appropriate accompanying documentation.
- Investigation of all complaints relating to farm animal health and welfare and associated issues. E.g. Animal By-Products.
- Roadside checks- to ensure correct transportation, documentation and identify illegal movements.
- Education- informing businesses, residents and visitors of relevant animal welfare issues.
- Advice- provision of up to date advice to the farming community and other organisations involved with animals.
- Active liaison with outside Agencies and other Local Authorities.
- Issuing Licences for livestock movements.
- Formal action against offenders where other action remains unsuccessful.
In performing its function in relation to animals the Trading Standards service will, where appropriate, be contributing to the stated corporate aims and values of Perth and Kinross Council.
Further information can be obtained
here.
