Animal movements
Introduction
Following foot and mouth, certain licensing requirements for moving animals are still in operation under the post foot and mouth movement regime.
Animals affected are cattle, sheep, deer, pigs and goats.
The latest information on licensing requirements should be sought from us or from DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs): Livestock identification and movements|
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Summary of the main requirements
General Movement Licences
Since 6 September 2002, it has not been necessary to apply for an individual licence to move most livestock. A movement may take place under the authority of a general licence provided the movement is a permitted one. In particular, you should be aware of the rules in relation to standstill periods for cattle, sheep, pigs and goats.
You do not need to apply for the general licence, but you must comply with its conditions. Failure to observe the conditions may mean that you will be barred from using it. You will then have to apply for an individual licence every time you wish to move any livestock. You will also have committed an offence and could be prosecuted.
There are some exemptions to the above. Pigs moved from a market require a specific licence issued by the local authority. If you wish to walk a pet pig you will need a licence from DEFRA.
In the case of sheep, goats, deer or pigs, you must complete the relevant parts of a standard movement document before the movement takes place. The movement document must accompany the animals during transport. A copy of the movement document must be sent to the local authority within three days.
All cattle movements must be notified to the British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS) within three working days. The general licence is available on the DEFRA website: Livestock identification and movements| .
How do I apply?
The standard movement document is available as an Adobe Acrobat file on the DEFRA website.
Standstill periods
Any movement of animals onto your premises will trigger a standstill period during which no stock will be permitted to move off. The standstill period is six days for sheep and cattle and 20 days for pigs. However there are exemptions. Please check the DEFRA website or contact us for further details.
