Provision of an Inspection Service in respect of Animal Health and Welfare

York is a historic city surrounded by countryside and many farms (including small holdings). York also has a thriving animal market, an abattoir and a large animal feed manufacturer.

As part of the Council’s statutory duties it is required to help ensure there are high standards of animal health and welfare at these premises, and that measures to protect the spread of animal disease are in place. The Council also need to ensure that feed standards are maintained all to ensure that consumers have confidence in their food from ‘farm to fork’.

In order to achieve the above the Council is required:
• To inspect farms, markets, abattoirs and other premises, as required, at a frequency consistent with Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Animal Health and Welfare Framework, the Feed Law Code of Practice and the National Trading Standards (NTS) delivery programme. Inspections include taking samples of feed where appropriate.
• To check the welfare of animals during transportation.
• To use national databases to monitor the movement of animals and ensure compliance with the rules to help prevent disease outbreak.
• To provide advice to farmers etc. as necessary.
• To respond to and investigate all complaints of non-compliance including allegations of animal cruelty and illegal disposal of animal by products all in accordance with the the Council Enforcement Policy.
• To respond quickly and effectively to reports of disease outbreaks and other emergencies and incidents, working closely with DEFRA, other local authorities, North Yorkshire Police and other agencies such as the RSPCA as required.
• To participate in animal disease and other emergency planning exercises.

All of these responsibilities are the object of this Animal Health contract.