DEFRA appeals against TB valuation ruling

DEFRA has appealed against a High Court decision which ruled that the compensation system for pedigree cattle slaughtered due to TB, was unlawful.

The High Court ruling on 14 July stated that basing livestock compensation on average market values discriminated against farmers with more valuable animals.

Lord Justice Stanley Burton found in favour of Devon livestock farmer David Partridge who challenged the system with NFU backing.

DEFRA was given until 4 August to appeal against the decision.

A spokeswoman for the department said: “After careful consideration, DEFRA has decided to appeal against the judgement in the Partridge farm’s case.”

Mr Partridge had been paid a quarter of the value for nine pedigree cattle.