This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Government consults on late applications for cattle passports
01/07/1998
Comments on a new approach to late applications for cattle passports, complying with EU rules, are being requested by the Government.
Scottish Agriculture Minister Lord Sewel explained:
"An effective Cattle Tracing System is vital to the future of the British cattle industry. At the moment farmers who persistently apply late for passports have their applications refused. The new approach is still stringent but would mean that producers may eventually be able to obtain cattle passports, provided they pass an inspection and supply the necessary full history for their animals."
At present, farmers applying late for cattle passports are sent a warning letter on the first occasion. Second and subsequent late applications are refused, although those who believe they have been unfairly treated can make representations. Farmers making late applications also risk being prosecuted.
The new policy, which complies with European legislation, would be introduced from 28 September, when the Cattle Tracing System is launched. In most cases, late applications would lead to restrictions on buying and selling from a farm. These would be lifted once a farm had been inspected to check that it was now complying with the rules. In some cases (for example if an application was very late), passports would be refused as at present. There would also still be a risk of prosecution.
Comments on the new proposals have been requested from the agriculture industry and other interested organisations by 31 July and should be sent to:
Mr M Reid
Room 215 SOAEFD
Pentland House
Edinburgh
EH14 1TW.
BACKGROUND
1. Passport applications must be made within at least 58 days of the birth of an animal. From 28 September 1998 this will reduce to 45 days, and from 1 January 2000 to 27 days.
2. Cattle passports are an essential part of the system to identify cattle and record their movements from birth to death. Passports were introduced in Great Britain from July 1996, and are now required throughout the European Union.
3. The European legislation requiring restrictions to be imposed on buying and selling cattle from farms when late passport applications are made in Commission Regulation 494/98.
News Release: 1364/98
1 July 1998