RHA Concern for Scottish Livestock

As restrictions are relaxed as the foot & mouth crisis winds down, one area that continues to cause concern is that there are not enough livestock drivers or vehicles to cope in reducing the backlog in the short term. This will mean that many animals that are due to be moved for slaughter, sale, breeding etc cannot be moved.

This lack of movement will exacerbate an already parlous situation for the agricultural community in Scotland.

The only solution is for Dept for Transport to relax the drivers hours and tachograph regulations until the backlog is cleared. RHA in conjunction with Scottish Executive, NFU Scotland, Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers and National Sheep Association has repeatedly asked for this over the last three weeks but have not had a postive response.

We are facing a serious animal welfare problem and the long term economic consequences could be disasterous for all involved.We urgently call for Dept for Transport to grant this relaxation for Scotland.

Image by Mark Roche