The European Communities (Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes) Regulations 2000, SI 127 of 2000, provides that adequate care and attention must be maintained with regard to the health and welfare of farm animals. In March of this year my Department issued a notice under regulation 7 of the above regulations requiring the person concerned to comply with certain conditions in relation to the welfare of sheep kept on his holding. As these conditions had not been complied with and the condition of the sheep continued to deteriorate my Department was obliged to issue a notice on 7 April under regulation 10 of the above regulations seizing the sheep concerned and removing them from the farm.
In accordance with normal practice, as provided for in regulation 10(4) of the above regulations, any funds accruing from the disposal of these sheep will be paid to the farmer concerned less the costs incurred by my Department in connection with the seizure and disposal of these animals.