Animal health and welfare

Looking after the welfare of farmed animals and preventing the spread of animal diseases.

Trading Standards offers advice to make sure that:

• border controls are in place to prevent rabies entering the country;
• dead farm animals are disposed of correctly to reduce the risk of spreading diseases;
• farm animals are identified and that disease control measures are in place at farms, slaughter houses, and animal transporters;
• farm animals are transported correctly;
• farm records are correct;
• movements of farm animals are licensed; and
• the health and welfare of farm animals are protected.

Trading Standards officers liaise with national regulators such as:

• Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA); and
• Meat Hygiene Service (MHS).

We will take formal action which could result in a prosecution, when necessary.