A
Devon farmer is predicting an increase in illegal animal movements
because of delays in getting official approval.
Foot-and-mouth rules mean livestock in the county can't be transported
without permission. But Paula Wolton says she has spent two months
trying to move just one ram.
Percy is a prize winning white-faced Dartmoor ram. He was bred near
Moretonhampstead - but he should be on another farm 30 miles away
with his new owner.
Paula Wolton is desperate to get her ewes in lamb but after eight
weeks of trying has failed to cut through the red tape needed to bring
Percy home.
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The
breeding programme is being held up
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"Its not just me,
its happening everywhere. People are so tired and they're trying to
get on with their farming and plan for next year and it just seems
that its one hurdle after another," said Paula.
In order to move Percy, foot-and-mouth blood tests had to be carried
out not just on him, but on 600 ewes on the same farm.
Computer problems led to a delay in the licence being issued. And
then there is transportation to be considered.
Paula normally uses a van to move her lambs to market. She has now
been told by the Meat and Livestock Commission that it is not suitable
for moving rams because the back doors can't be adequately sealed.
She said farmers are being tempted to ignore the rules altogether.
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The
authorities say this van is unsuitable for transporting rams
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"I think we are
going to see more farmers moving animals illegally which is exactly
what we don't want.
"But farmers have found they can't do what they want legally
so the simplest thing is to not go to the authorities."
There are three agencies involved in issuing licences and all say
they are doing their best to reduce delays. But they also say the
rules have to be applied strictly to make sure foot-and-mouth doesn't
return to the south west.
There will be no early lambs for Paula to count next year and according
to the NFU, many others are in a similar position. It is urging the
authorities to take a practical approach to animal movements wherever
possible.
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