AHVLA issue report on Ramsgate
After a consignment of 540 sheep were unloaded at the Port of Ramsgate last year, resulting in three sheep drowning and over forty having to be euthanised, farming minister David Heath asked the AHVLA to review its procedures.
The agency was asked to look at its operational procedures and the application of EU welfare rules during livestock transport, to ensure every effort was made to prevent such an incident in the future.
Aspects investigated included the overall handling of the incident, procedures for managing inspections at Ramsgate and how the agency worked alongside other bodies present at the port during inspection. The agency were also requested to look into the contingency arrangements required by the transporter and any additional arrangements that may be needed by the agency as the regulator.
As a result of its review, the AHVLA has issued a report detailing the enhancements to its existing operational practice. According to the report, every consignment passing through Ramsgate will now be inspected, and tougher enforcement of welfare procedures will be employed. The AHVLA plans to implement its own contingency plans in the event of an emergency, should the transporter be unwilling or unable to implement their own plans within two hours.
Procedures will reportedly be improved to ensure an agency vet is within an hour of the port at all times, to assist inspectors should a welfare concern or emergency arise. The AHVLA also plan to work with the operator of the transport vessel in order to develop new contingency measures in the event of an emergency.
Further, the changes that a transporter can make to the journey log of the delivery proper to the export will be restricted. It is felt by the agency this will help to maintain clear records of the animals during the journey.
Click here for the full report.
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
