The main aims of this legislation are:

• To prevent, control and wipe out animal disease

• To protect the welfare of animals at agricultural holdings, in transit and at markets

• To safeguard human health and the food chain from contagious diseases

We are responsible for ensuring the welfare of 'farm' animals such as pigs, cattle, sheep, goats and poultry. If you have concerns about the welfare of domestic animals such as cats and dogs please contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234999.

Read the guidance notes to find out more about the legislation covering particular animals.

For information on how to get a records book to record your livestock movements, click on the Postal movement records scheme.

We also enforce animal feedstuffs legislation, which involves the inspection, sampling and monitoring of the production and storage of feed. This makes sure that they are wholesome and not harmful to either the animal or the human food chain.

The laws also means that animal feed businesses need to register with us. Most already are but if you have any doubts then please contact us.

If you need more information and advice, contact us on our business advice line.

• Postal movement records scheme

  Livestock keepers get free movement books and advice on how to record information. In return we will sometimes ask for a copy of the records.

• Animal disease

  The latest information about diseases affecting farm animals.

• Animal Movement Licences

  Information on moving animals.

• Name: Animal Health Officer
  Email: tradingstandards@dorsetcc.gov.uk
  Tel: 01305 224475
  Fax: 01305 224297
  Full details for Animal Health Officer