Animal health and welfare

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, see the Postal movement records scheme.

If you require a Movement Record (pdf, 9kb) (opens in a new window) ,  Flock Record (pdf, 8kb) (opens in a new window) or  Veterinary Medicine Administration Record (pdf, 7kb) (opens in a new window) you can download them here or if you wish to have copies sent to you apply using the Request for Animal Record Form(s)

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.