There are changes coming down the line for Ireland’s livestock marts, with all premises requiring a new licence to continue trading from 1 January 2019.

The move stems from a new statutory instrument, the Animal Health and Welfare (Livestock animals) Regulations 2018, which is in the final stages of completion and due to come into effect from 1 April 2018.

This gives marts a nine-month lead-in time to implement any alterations required and apply for and receive a new licence.

Approval will be awarded for a fixed period, with a reapplication and approvals process required to renew the licence.

Specific members of staff at each mart will be assigned and given responsibility to ensure that the mart meets requirements across three distinct areas:

  • 1) Animal health and welfare.
  • 2) Traceability of livestock to and from the mart premises.
  • 3) Cleaning, disinfection and sanitation of the mart.

    • A spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture told the Irish Farmers Journal that it wants to ensure the high standards that marts currently implement are continued and enhanced to showcase the good animal welfare practices in place.

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