Regulations to modernise the laws relating to livestock marts, requiring livestock marts to have a new licence prior to 1 January 2019, were announced on Monday. The regulations represent a significant step forward in relation to animal health and welfare requirements in a trading environment that matches international standards, Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed said.
The Animal Health and Welfare (Livestock Marts) Regulations 2018 is enacted under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 and replaces the Livestock Marts Act 1967.
"I am conscious of the importance of managing the risks of animal disease associated with the movement of animals and in that regard, it is critical to have robust biosecurity procedures in marts," the Minister said.
The regulations prohibit possession of a stick around calves less than 42 days of age.
"The inclusion of a provision in the legislation prohibiting the sale of calves under 10 days at marts (effective date 1 January 2019) is a progressive step in advancing animal welfare," he said. "The focus on animal health and welfare in the trading environment for live animals is a vital component of our strategy for the continued success of Ireland’s agri-food sector and of obtaining and maintaining export markets."
Reaction
Ray Doyle, ICOS Livestock Marts executive has cautiously welcomed the introduction of legislation prohibiting the sale of calves under 10 days of age at livestock marts as of 1 January 2019.
“We have been working with the Department, as have other industry stakeholders, in updating outdated aspects of the Livestock Marts Act 1967," he said. "The Department have given ICOS assurances on numerous occasions that legislation prohibiting the sale of calves will also be introduced for farm-to-farm sales. ICOS fully expects this to be the case and provided this occurs will support the introduction of new legislation. A situation cannot occur that causes distortion to current trading practices”.
Read more
Farmers can check marts and auctioneers licenses online
Regulations to modernise the laws relating to livestock marts, requiring livestock marts to have a new licence prior to 1 January 2019, were announced on Monday. The regulations represent a significant step forward in relation to animal health and welfare requirements in a trading environment that matches international standards, Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed said.
The Animal Health and Welfare (Livestock Marts) Regulations 2018 is enacted under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 and replaces the Livestock Marts Act 1967.
"I am conscious of the importance of managing the risks of animal disease associated with the movement of animals and in that regard, it is critical to have robust biosecurity procedures in marts," the Minister said.
The regulations prohibit possession of a stick around calves less than 42 days of age.
"The inclusion of a provision in the legislation prohibiting the sale of calves under 10 days at marts (effective date 1 January 2019) is a progressive step in advancing animal welfare," he said. "The focus on animal health and welfare in the trading environment for live animals is a vital component of our strategy for the continued success of Ireland’s agri-food sector and of obtaining and maintaining export markets."
Reaction
Ray Doyle, ICOS Livestock Marts executive has cautiously welcomed the introduction of legislation prohibiting the sale of calves under 10 days of age at livestock marts as of 1 January 2019.
“We have been working with the Department, as have other industry stakeholders, in updating outdated aspects of the Livestock Marts Act 1967," he said. "The Department have given ICOS assurances on numerous occasions that legislation prohibiting the sale of calves will also be introduced for farm-to-farm sales. ICOS fully expects this to be the case and provided this occurs will support the introduction of new legislation. A situation cannot occur that causes distortion to current trading practices”.
Read more
Farmers can check marts and auctioneers licenses online
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