NFUS seeking views on lamb carcass changes

NFUS members are being asked for their views on changes to sheep carcase classification and price reporting.

Views are asked on the Government’s proposal to force abattoirs to grade to the EUROP grid, which would be more closely audited. Furthermore all abattoirs killing more than an average of 500 sheep a week would be compelled to report prices.

Members can access the six-question consultation on the NFUS website with submissions sought by 8 January due to a tight Government deadline in the New Year.

Wild life crime down 8%

Recorded wildlife crime has fallen 8% to 261 cases, according to a new crime report.

The most prolific wildlife crime, fish poaching, was down 26% while there was an increase in hunting with dogs from 20 to 44 cases. The report brings together data from the Scottish Government, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, Police Scotland and other sources. The Scottish Government has announced they are running a pilot scheme in the Cairngorms using special constables to tackle wildlife crime.

Illegal waste being dumped on farms

Criminals are using farm buildings to illegally dispose of large quantities of waste, the charity Crimestoppers has said.

This week, the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and Crimestoppers launched an awareness campaign to tackle the issue, encourage the public to be aware of the signs and contact the charity anonymously.

In many cases these criminals offer to remove “challenging” waste, that would be difficult to process or recycle, cheaply and then dump it in fields or even farm buildings. The cost of clean-up, disposal and building repairs can be over £1m per incident.

You can contact Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or through an online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.