Animal Health Act 1981: expenditure and prosecutions – 2021

Formal enforcement actions under the Animal Health Act 1981 and other animal health and welfare legislation by local authorities in 2021

Convictions achieved under the Animal Health Act 1981 and other animal health and welfare legislation

Relevant Act, Order or Regulation: The Animal By-Products (Enforcement) (Scotland) Regulations 2013

Nature of offence: Sheep carcases which were not disposed of in an appropriate manner

Result (when known): Guilty

Decision (including imprisonment, fine etc.): Procurator Fiscal warning

Relevant Act, Order or Regulation: The Animal By-Products (Enforcement) (Scotland) Regulations 2013

Nature of offence: Sheep carcases that were not held, pending consignment or disposal, in accordance with the Regulations in that steps were not taken to ensure that no animal or bird had access.

Result (when known): Guilty

Decision (including imprisonment, fine etc.): Procurator Fiscal warning

Number of visits and enforcement action taken

Notes:

1. This is the number of welfare visit undertaken which were programmed, part of planned interventions, or projects, or in response to complaints

2. This is the number of visits where biosecurity has been considered separately, outwith a general market or farm visit.

Number of complaints, service requests and livestock animals inspected

Notes:

1. This is the number of requests or complaints received which have required action or investigation by local authority animal health and welfare officers.

2. This figure includes request for service from consumers (not complaints), businesses and other agencies.

3. This is the total number of animals which were inspected or assessed in markets and other premises or holdings. This will include animals inspected for fitness, identification or health at markets and does not require that an examination takes place.

Summary of alternative enforcement interventions taken

• Joint working with SGRPID, APHA, SSPCA, SEPA, and FSS;
• Participation in multi-agency groups and industry meetings including the rural crime group, and the BVD advisory group;
• Response to illegal movement of puppies with APHA partners;
• Joint visits with Police Scotland in relation to welfare and straying issues;
• Increased surveillance of animal transport at markets;
• Presence at all agricultural shows when operational such as the Black Isle Show, Nairn Show and Wick Show;
• Remote engagement as required due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions. Visits and investigations were carried out by phone and some included the use of live video provided by farmers;
• Telephone enquiries were used to update records held and also as a reminder to the farming community of our service as a point of contact;
• Email updates were sent to animal keepers and farms informing them about the preventive measures to be taken in case of high risk outbreaks of disease;
• Pertinent advice to keeper groups was shared via social media;
• Advice and guidance was provided on avian influenza restrictions, including letters to poultry keepers detailing legal requirements and general advice on social media;
• Inspections were carried out based upon a risk score which provides a suggested next inspection date; and
• Dog worrying support and referral for signage.

Notes: Alternative interventions are recorded to highlight additional work and areas covered. This may include attendance at agricultural shows, NFUS meetings; joint initiatives with APHA, police, Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Division (SGRPID); leaflets and information etc.

Key Performance Measure

Notes: This is the figure for High Risk agricultural premises visited by local authorities but also includes visits that have not been carried out as a result of these premises being visited by APHA staff as part of their pre-planned visit plan. As a result this prevents penalising local authorities who are using a joined-up approach to prevent double visits by different enforcers for similar purposes.