Guidance

Livestock farm inspection by the local authority

Information for farmers about inspections local authorities carry out on animal welfare, identification, transport and by-product disposal, and feed hygiene.

Who gets inspected

The local authority can inspect any livestock farm.

What gets inspected

The inspection can include checks and guidance on:

  • animal welfare and housing conditions
  • animal identification, livestock records and movement controls
  • livestock transportation
  • animal by-product disposal
  • food and feed hygiene

Time and length

Local authorities are likely to have selected farms for inspection based on information such as complaints, partner agency referrals and previous history. Some higher risk inspections may be carried out on a more regular targeted basis.

Inspectors may visit you:

  • to look at specific issues
  • for a full (comprehensive) inspection that can take over 2 hours

You may get a phone call or receive a questionnaire as an alternative to an in-person inspection to help avoid an unnecessary visit.

In most cases inspectors will contact you before an inspection to agree a convenient date and time. Any complaints that suggest a major breach may lead to an unannounced inspection.

What happens next

You might be prosecuted after an inspection that’s in response to a complaint.

The local authority may notify the:

  • Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) about non-compliance in the area of animal health and welfare
  • Food Standards Agency (FSA) about feed inspections results

Updates to this page

Published 12 January 2016

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