News story

7th March 2001

Foot & Mouth - Lambing problems

Northavon MP Steve Webb is calling on the Ministry of Agriculture to show some flexibility over restrictions on movement of animals in order to help local farmers who face a crisis as the lambing season begins. The MP has been contacted by local farmers who are presently unable to move their sheep from one farm to another so that they can be properly cared for during lambing. At present, because of movement restrictions, the sheep can be unable to be moved to the main farm building where there is heat, food and pens, and where the farmer can take action if there are any problems with a birth. What would be required would be a temporary licence to allow a single transfer of the sheep from one site to another so that lambing can continue more safely.

The MP has contacted the private office of Nick Brown, Agriculture Secretary, and learned that farmers around the country are facing similar problems. He was promised that the Ministry would be drawing up proposals which might allow the limited movement of animals where their welfare would otherwise be prejudiced.

Steve Webb said:

“Whilst I understand the need for firm controls on movement, it is clear that the present restrictions are causing severe problems for some farmers. A tightly controlled licencing scheme, similar to that which is being brought in to allow animals to be moved to abattoirs, would be of great benefit in terms of animal welfare and should be consistent with the Government’s wider objectives. I hope that the Ministry will move very quickly on this front, because the need is now very urgent.”


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