Mart trading practices are set for significant changes under new licencing proposals set to come into effect on 1 January 2019.

The standout changes include a ban on trading calves less than 10 days of age, a rule that is also set to be implemented in farm-to-farm sales, and a ban on the use of sticks where dealing with calves less than 42 days of age.

There are a number of new components which marts must comply with under the proposals.

These changes are described by the Department of Agriculture as being in the final stages of agreement and were presented to mart managers and representatives at a seminar held at the Department’s Backweston facility on Friday.

The main new trading components presented by the Department of Agriculture were:

  • There must be no driving of animals over slippery surfaces with marts required to address any problem areas.
  • The use of sticks in herding calves under 42 days of age will be banned in marts.
  • A ban introduced from 1 January 2019 on the sale of calves less than 10 days of age.
  • Marts must also ensure that facilities provide calves with a comfortable environment while present in the mart.
  • Marts must ensure that accurate movement records are maintained with an electronic record of all movements completed within a period of 24 hours after the sale.This was an area which raised much discussion. There was objection from some mart managers who argued that a longer period was needed during peak trading times or for sales held on Friday and Saturday.
  • Detailed records will also be required of any sick or injured animal and veterinary medicines administered. These animals must also be removed promptly to an isolation area while marts must not mix unsuitable animals (for example male and females etc).
  • A disinfection facility must be provided for those transporting livestock, to wash trailers, trucks etc.
  • All equines other than suckling foals accompanying mares must be haltered or bridled and led by hand when not confined to a pen.
  • Enforcement

    There must also be specific members of staff assignedresponsibility to ensure that the mart meets these 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.

    Monitoring of these three areas must be documented, with an annual audit undertaken and a written assessment completed by the individual in charge. The same person can be responsible for all three while a code of conduct for all mart personal must also be developed.

    Licence approval

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

    Marts not meeting the required criteria can have their licence revoked or renewal denied. There will also also a fixed penalty notice system, with a proposed fine of €250 for non-compliances identified.

    This was another proposal that was met with opposition from managers present on Friday. The Department moved to allay fears and said that the fixed-penalty notices would only be implemented where marts had made no attempts to comply with the respective criteria.

    Summing up why these changes are being introduced, the Department said it wants to ensure the strong standards that marts currently implement are continued and enhanced to showcase the good animal welfare practices in place.

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