Archive Article: 2001/10/12

12 October 2001

Please spare stock men from red tape

Livestock licenses are the last thing producers need. Theres enough red tape without adding to the reams already throttling producers.

After all, UK animal welfare standards are as high if not higher than anywhere in Europe. Sow stalls and tethers are a good example. We have already banned them well ahead of our competitors.

Nevertheless, the idea of licences is being promoted by vets and considered by DEFRA. It can only add costs and hassle to a livestock sector which already has both in abundance. It would also make it almost impossible to compete fairly with imports. So why is the idea on DEFRAs agenda?