Animals

Animal Health and Welfare

Centred around farm livestock. The Service provides: -

• Emergency call out to respond to disease outbreaks and/or welfare of animals.
• Inspection of livestock markets to maintain high standards of animal care.
• Roadside checks on vehicles used to transport animals.
• Inspection at farms, slaughterhouses, renderers and knacker yards to encourage good practice and compliance with the law.
• Liaison with The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) [see EXTERNAL LINKS - below], other local authorities and agencies to improve co-ordination and consistency in animal health and welfare compliance.
• Licensing the movement of animals in cases of outbreak of diseases.
• Guidance notes on a wide range of subjects.
• Advice and help on various aspects of animal health and welfare.
• Contingency planning for major notifiable disease outbreaks e.g. rabies, foot and mouth.
• Response to complaints regarding animal welfare, animal disease and carcasses.

Email: ethelpline@herefordshire.gov.uk