Records in Surrey not up to scratch

26 September 1997

Records in Surrey not up to scratch

SURREY cattle farmers have been warned that unless they improve their cattle records then they will be prosecuted by the county council.

A recent survey, carried out by the councils trading standards service, found that nearly half the records checked failed to comply with legal requirements. The main problems included lack of full ear tag details and incomplete movement records.

Peter Denard, county trading standards officer, said the situation could have serious consequences for the agricultural industry in its battle to get the beef export ban lifted.

If farmers fail to heed the councils advice and improve their record-keeping then there would be no option but to prosecute, Mr Denard added.