£5,000 fines for repeatedly missing TB tests and other offences

Farmers in England who repeatedly avoid bovine TB testing or mistreat their livestock more generally may be fined up to £5,000, and still face the possibility of prosecution.

The new option for fixed penalties will become law from 1 January 2024, to serve as a further deterrent to animal health and welfare offences.

See also: 10 tips for safe cattle handling during TB testing

They will be added to the existing portfolio of enforcement measures, such as warning letters, statutory notices or movement restrictions, to help ensure animal keepers follow the law.

Defra says the fines could be issued for offences such as animals living in a poor environment, repeated overdue bovine TB testing, breaching of avian influenza housing orders, or animal breeders operating without a licence.

Animal welfare and biosecurity minister Robbie Douglas-Miller said: “All keepers have a duty of care to protect their animals from harm, as well as adhering to biosecurity rules to protect our nation from devastating diseases.

“I know the majority of animal owners recognise the importance of these rules, but it is vital that tough enforcement steps are taken when those rules are broken.”

Defra says advice and guidance will remain the primary tool for correcting bad husbandry, but serious animal welfare offences will still be prosecuted.