Livestock exporter faces ban

21 October 1998

Livestock exporter faces ban

By FWi staff

ONE of the countrys biggest livestock hauliers could be banned from exporting live sheep after being found guilty of mistreating animals.

Junior farm minister Elliot Morley has taken the first step towards revoking the export licence of Yorkshire-based livestock transporter F Machin and Son.

F Machin and Son was recently found guilty of breaching animal welfare regulations and fined £10,000 by Northallerton magistrates.

Mr Morley has now informed company director Richard Machin that MAFF intends to ban him from further involvement in the live export trade. Mr Machin has been asked for his comments before Mr Morley decides how long such a ban should remain in force.

“This decision reflects the Governments view that breaches of animal welfare requirements are an important matter and that the strictest sanctions available under the law should be applied when this is justified,” said Mr Morley.

Mr Machin exports about 100,000 sheep a year, making him the biggest customer of Farmers Ferry, the producer owned shipping company which aims to boost live sheep exports.

Mr Machin was this afternoon meeting with solicitors in London with a view to responding to Mr Morleys letter. Farmers Ferry declined to comment on the effects that a ban would have on their business.