Vol. 408 No. 9
32 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will review the animal health legislation in view of the indiscriminate dumping of animal carcases in many parts of the countryside because of the difficulty of disposal through normal channels; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am aware that market uncertainty in the meat rendering sector may have caused some changes in the practice of disposing of animal carcases. Nevertheless, I would emphasise that rendering plants continue to accept animal carcases and that dumping of carcases is illegal under existing legislation.
A recently adopted EC Directive lays down the veterinary rules for the disposal and processing of animal waste including carcases. Consequently I am reviewing the entire situation at present and will be introducing national legislation to implement the directive as soon as possible.
