LEGAL AND REGULATORY SERVICES
PUBLIC PROTECTION
ANIMAL HEALTH AND WELFARE
SERVICE DELIVERY PLAN
FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT
(DEFRA/WAG/WLGA)
2010-2011
APPENDIX C
Serving our Community
1.
Introduction
The Public Protection Section is located within the Legal and Regulatory
Services Directorate. The section comprises Environmental Health, Trading
Standards and Licensing. The Animal Health team is part of the Trading
Standards Service.
Local Authorities have a statutory responsibility for the enforcement of Animal
Health and Welfare (AH&W) legislation. The service has until recently been
largely undervalued and under resourced.
However, the challenges presented by the advent of Foot and Mouth Disease
and other potential outbreaks such as swine and avian flu in the United
Kingdom highlighted the impact of non-compliance with the legislation can have
on the community, both financially and socially. Recognition of the impact,
both nationally and internationally, resulted in the Government conducting a
major review of service provision for AH&W within the United Kingdom. The
review recognised the major role that Local Authorities play in AH&W
enforcement and the good work that they carried out during the Foot and
Mouth epidemic.
The review resulted in the production of a key document by the Department for
the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), which was produced in
consultation with the Local Authorities Co-ordinators of Regulatory Services
(LACORS), the Welsh Local Government Association and the Welsh Assembly
Government, entitled ‘A Framework for the Delivery of Services between Local
Authorities, Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the
Welsh Assembly Government’.
The framework is an excellent example of Local and Central Government
working in collaboration. It provides a crucial opportunity to bring consistency
in service standards and practice and will show the level of service the
Authority aims to provide. Consistency of service delivery is one of the main
objectives that the framework aims to achieve, with the emphasis changing
from disease control to good bio-security and disease prevention.
The cornerstone of the framework and the core of this service delivery plan is
the activity framework, which identifies every aspect of the service that this
Authority intends to provide and the standard at which the service is to be
provided. The framework has developed to include all aspects of AH&W not
simply post Foot and Mouth Interim Movement legislation.
The framework, in combination with the DEFRA funded Animal Movement
Licensing System and the Animal Movements Enforcement System, will enable
AH&W enforcement to continue to develop with effective IT solutions, which will
substantially increase the effectiveness and efficiency of enforcement.
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With links to food safety the objective is fully inclusive farm to fork and includes
involvement in animal feeding stuff legislation, the basic building block of the
human food production process, which can have a major impact on food safety
and quality. This objective will be met by a programme of work, consisting of:






2.
risk based inspections;
food and animal feed sampling and analysis;
advice and education of both businesses and consumers;
investigation of breaches of animal health and welfare legislation;
investigation of complaints regarding animal health and welfare;
staff development and training.
Links to Corporate and Community Objectives
The Bridgend Local Service Board has been introduced to strengthen the way
that public services work together. This body places more emphasis on key
public and voluntary organisations working together to meet joint objectives
agreed by the partner agencies and the Welsh Assembly Government. The
priorities agreed by the Bridgend Local Service Board will shape the new
Community Strategy as the overarching plan for the area setting the overall
direction and priorities.
Bridgend County Borough Council has signed up to the following objectives of
the current Community Strategy Themes:





2.1
Strong Communities – where crime levels decline and the fear of crime is
tackled so that all local people feel safe and secure;
Young Voices – to provide services that meet the different needs of
children and young people living in the Borough;
Healthy Living – by tackling health inequalities and promoting healthier
lifestyles;
New Opportunities – to promote economic growth and environmental
sustainability;
Proud Past – to continue to promote Bridgend as a place to visit;
Green Spaces – to ensure an attractive and clean environment and
contribute to tackling climate change.
Healthy Living
Animal Health and Welfare enforcement is aimed at minimising the effects and
risk of transmissible diseases and infestations among livestock and domestic
animals and ensuring that the welfare of animals is protected by avoiding pain
and suffering of animals.
Good animal health and welfare contributes to the overall health and wellbeing
of the borough and has strong links to good nutrition and safe food which are
essential to everyone's short and long-term health and wellbeing.
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2.2
New Opportunities
The provision of timely advice and guidance on animal health and welfare
legislation can benefit the economic viability of business. Failure of a primary
producer to manage their stock can lead to costly mistakes and the inability to
profit from animals that are being reared. The enforcement of regulations
helps to maintain a level playing field, allowing business to compete on equal
terms.
2.3
Strong and Safer Communities
Often the work of the Animal Health team relates to the primary production of
food and consumers should be confident that the risk of contaminated food is
kept to a minimum. The objective of improving the safety of residents and
visitors to the County Borough is identified in the Community Strategy
Document 2005-2016 as a key priority. The Public Protection Section's animal
health team in conjunction with the food safety and food standards role
contributes significantly to this objective by providing a regulatory and educative
framework that ensures, as far as possible, that all food and drink consumed in
the County Borough is safe to consume.
2.4
More Inclusive County Borough
The section will contribute to the Authority's commitment to achieving a more
inclusive County Borough by ensuring that resources are targeted to
disadvantaged communities of the County Borough to ensure they are not
excluded from access to advice and education on animal health and welfare.
To achieve this aim, the section will include a series of education and
awareness initiatives, particularly in relation to companion animal welfare.
3.
Profile of the Authority
Bridgend County Borough Council is a Welsh Unitary Authority, which straddles
the M4 corridor. To the north of the M4, the Authority consists of mainly excoal mining valley communities with Maesteg as the main centre of population.
To the south of the M4, the ex-market town of Bridgend is the largest town in
the County Borough and the hub of the economy and employment base, with a
Designer Village Retail Outlet, large industrial estate and Fords Bridgend
Engineering Plant.
To the south west of the County Borough on the coast lies Porthcawl, a
traditional seaside resort with a high proportion of elderly residents, which is
subject to a major influx of tourists during the summer period.
The County Borough consists of an area of 28,500 hectares with a population
of just over 130,000 residents. Several of the County Borough’s wards score
highly on the Welsh index of deprivation.
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Table 1 - Organisational Structure
Assistant Chief Executive Legal & Regulatory Services
(Mr Andrew Jolley)
Group Manager Public Protection
(Mr Lee Jones)
Service Manager Trading Standards
(Mrs Helen Picton)
Principal Trading Standards Officer
(Mr Jeff Davies)
Animal Health Team
Helen Gomm, Animal Health Officer
Rhian Stafford, Animal Health Officer
Jane Jones, Part-time Fair Trading Officer
Ryan Pritchard John, Dog Warden
4.
Companion Animal Officer
Companion Animal Welfare Officer
(Vacant)
Local Authority Profile - Animal Health
Staffing (see table 1)
Field staff
Data input staff
TOTAL
Local Authority Funded
(Total and FTE)
1.5
0.5
1.5
Directly Funded
(Total and FTE)
1.0
0.5
1.5
Data Input/IT
Local Authority Database used is the CIVICA system.
Work Load - Critical Control Points (CCP)
With Defined Work Patterns
Type of CCP
No.
Markets, Collection Centres
and Assembly Centres
2
Slaughterhouses
Shows, sales and one-off
events
1
2
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Operating pattern (markets) or
throughput (slaughterhouses)
Blackmill Sheep sales – July –
December bi-weekly
Ty Wrth y Coed
Maesteg
Bridgend Show, Glynogwr
Without Defined Work Patterns
Type of CCP
Ports
Dealers
No.
N/a
N/a
Total Risk Assessed Premises including CCP's
According to information supplied by AHDO and risk assessment by local authority.
Number of premises (including
3(a) & (b) above)
5.
High Risk
8
Medium Risk Low Risk
90
291
Service Delivery Plan
(1)
The purpose of completing a Service Delivery Plan annually is:


(2)
To provide a structured plan of the work for the Local Authority
area during the financial year; and
To highlight changes from previous years.
The template should be completed and submitted to the DVM by the
deadline and should not be altered unnecessarily.
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Activity Matrix
Activity
Content and relevant outcome(s)
Minimum Standard (Level 1)
Good Practice (Level 2)
Better
Practice
(Level 3)
1. Planning the Delivery of the Local Authority Animal Health and Welfare Function
1.1 Profile of Local
Authority area and
associated animal
health and welfare
workload
Analysis of critical control points by type,
number, days of operation, including:
• premises licensed for sales (e.g. auction
markets etc.)
• premises licensed for collections for
slaughter or further rearing or finishing
Local Authority profile completed annually
in format of template at Annex B and
submitted to DVM and Defra by deadline
Profile discussed and agreed with
DVM prior to submission to Defra
N/A
6 monthly review of Service Delivery
Plan
N/A
Where Direct Funding is claimed financial
forecasts and invoices should be
submitted by the agreed date
• abattoirs/slaughter houses
Analysis of agricultural premises according
to risk
Summary of staff engaged in Animal Health
and Welfare work
Outcomes 3 and 5
1.2 Annual Service
Delivery Plan for
delivery of services in
Animal Health and
Welfare
Service Delivery Plan produced detailing
levels of Service Delivery for all activities
detailed in this activity framework, reflecting
national and local priorities. Annex C should
be used as a template.
Annual Service Delivery Plan produced
and agreed with DVM by agreed deadline.
Any significant changes to be notified and
discussed with DVM (and the Welsh
Assembly Government in Wales)
Outcomes 3, 4,and 5
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Activity Matrix
Activity
Content and relevant outcome(s)
Minimum Standard (Level 1)
Good Practice (Level 2)
Better
Practice
(Level 3)
1.3 Risk Assessment
Premises risk assessed in accordance with
Local Authority national risk scheme
detailed in Section 4
All premises risk assessed and
documented (in accordance with matrix in
Section 4)
Evidence that veterinary risks and
direction taken into account in Local
Authority plans
N/A
Risk based inspection programme
Inspection programme based on locally
determined frequency according to risk
Risk assessment reviewed as part of
planned visit.
Attempts are made and documented to
ensure inspection programmes are coordinated with other agencies e.g.
RPA/RIW/AH
Inspection programmes are coordinated with other agencies e.g.
RPA/RIW
Outcomes 1, 2, 5 and 6
2. Training and Development
2.1 Training for new
officers
Officers are authorised to enforce all
relevant legislation.
New officers to undergo internal induction
training on Animal Health and Welfare
All enforcement staff have access to
full legal reference
On-going
professional
development
All enforcement staff to hold recognised
qualification or have equivalent professional
experience i.e. ‘Grandfather rights’ or
undertake to achieve such qualifications as
soon as possible
Continuing professional development –
The minimum on going training should be
10 hours based on the principles of CPD.
This should include training on new
legislation and procedures relevant to
animal health and welfare.
For officers engaged in on farm food
hygiene enforcement, training in relation
to these activities can be included.
Officers working towards recognised
AH&W qualification
Access to copies of all relevant AH&W
legislation and guidance
All new officers working towards
AH&W qualification
It is recognised that in emergency situations
i.e. outbreaks of disease, there may be a
need to call upon non animal health
qualified officers to assist in carrying out
animal health and welfare duties.
Time and resources allocated to keep up to
date on appropriate Animal Health and
Welfare legislation, codes of practice,
guidance etc – e.g. by accessing LACORS
website
Outcome 5
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Continuing professional development
- As minimum standard but a
minimum of 15 hours training per
year
Annual staff review and development
6 monthly staff
review and
development
Officers to hold
recognised
AH&W
qualification
Continuing
professional
development –
As minimum
standard but a
minimum of 20
hours training
per year
Activity Matrix
Activity
Content and relevant outcome(s)
Minimum Standard (Level 1)
Good Practice (Level 2)
Better
Practice
(Level 3)
All movement documents received to be
date stamped or otherwise identified as to
date received.
Recording of 95% of live movements and
80% of slaughter movements within three
working days from day of receipt.
Recording of 95% of live movements
and 80% of slaughter movements
within two working days from day of
receipt.
Data entry on to the Defra AMLS2 database
of all sheep, pig and deer movement
documents received
Action to be initiated within four working
days where errors are detected that
require follow up.
Recording of
95% of live
movements
and 80% of
slaughter all
movements
within one
working day of
receipt.
3. Licensing Activities
3.1 Recording of
Animal Movements
Sheep, Goats, Deer
and Pig movement
data capture and
recording of
exemptions
Action to be taken where errors are
detected that require follow up resolution
Action to be initiated within three
working days where errors are
detected that require follow up.
Action to be
initiated within
two working
days where
errors are
detected that
require follow
up.
Outcomes 1 and 4
Live
movements :
95%
Slaughter :
80%
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Activity Matrix
Activity
Content and relevant outcome(s)
Minimum Standard (Level 1)
Good Practice (Level 2)
Better
Practice
(Level 3)
3.2 Issuing of specific
animal movement
licences on AMLS2
Specific licences (on AMLS2) issued for
those individuals prohibited by the Minister
from operating under the general licence
Issue of all licences within one working
day of receipt where no pre movement
inspection required
Issue of all licences on day of receipt
of application where no pre movement
inspection required
N/A
Resolution of all licence refusals within
two working days
Resolution of all licence refusals
within one working day
Same day
resolution of all
licence refusals
Local Authority produce mail shot
information/ publication to provide
information on current issues
Business
advice and up
to date
information
available via
Local Authority
website,
including links
to external
website e.g.
Defra, Welsh
Assembly
Government,
Animal Health.
Receipt of licence applications
Assessment and issue of specific licences
Issue of animal movement licences
manually where approval given
3.3 Investigation of
specific (AMLS2)
movement licence
refusals
Outcomes 1 and 4
Initial investigation of (AMLS2) licence
application refusals; resolve if possible,
otherwise co-operation with AHDO to
achieve resolution
Outcomes 1 and 4
4. Education and advice to maximise compliance
4.1 Education and
advice
Guidance provided to businesses on all
aspects of Animal Health and Welfare for
which Local Authorities are responsible,
including any movement licensing
requirements.
Provide advice and guidance on request
to businesses during office hours.
Make available information leaflets
produced by Defra, Welsh Assembly
Government and Animal Health
Delivery targets should be set in accordance
with individual Local Authority ‘charter’
response times.
Outcomes 1, 2, 5 and 6
-9-
Provision of answer phone facility for
out of office hours contact
Activity Matrix
Activity
Content and relevant outcome(s)
Minimum Standard (Level 1)
Good Practice (Level 2)
Better
Practice
(Level 3)
4.2 Proactive activity
Proactive involvement or lead in education
and training events with stakeholder
organisations etc.
Actively promote business advice
Support liaison with other relevant
agencies and stakeholder groups e.g.
meetings, fora
Take lead role
in liaison with
other relevant
agencies and
stakeholder
groups
Arrange talks to stakeholder groups on
request
Joined up approach to education and advice
through liaison with Defra, Welsh Assembly
Government, LACORS and Animal Health
Provision of
other advice:
newsletters,
roadshows,
stands at
shows.
Outcomes 1, 2, 5 and 6
5. Enforcement activities to maximise Animal Health and Welfare compliance
5.1 Attendance at
Critical Control Points
- Livestock markets,
Sales, Collection
Centres and
Assembly Centres
Highly visible preventative enforcement
presence.
Attendance at markets and other premises
licensed for sales, and Collection Centres
and Assembly Centres to ensure
compliance, in particular with:
 Biosecurity (vehicles, premises and
people)
 Livestock identification
 Welfare
 Transport
 Licensing and record keeping
 Specific pre movement licensing
 All other relevant legislation
Exact attendance levels and times
according to status of gathering
Outcomes 1, 2, 5 and 6
Visible Local Authority presence
75% of livestock markets (other than
dedicated slaughter markets) attended by
enforcement personnel for 25% of
operating hours. Attendance levels may
be increased if necessary following
local risk assessment.
90% of livestock markets (other than
dedicated slaughter markets)
attended by enforcement personnel
for 25% of operating hours
25% of dedicated slaughter markets,
Collection Centres and Assembly Centres
attended at some stage during operating
hours. Attendance levels may be
increased if necessary following local
risk assessment.
Inspector(s) should be in attendance
at large store markets during
minimum of 50% of operating hours
Attendance time should be varied to
include times when animals are being
loaded/unloaded.
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Inspector(s) to
be in
attendance at
large markets
for 75% of
operating hours
Activity Matrix
Activity
Content and relevant outcome(s)
Minimum Standard (Level 1)
Good Practice (Level 2)
5.2 Attendance at
Critical Control Points
- slaughter houses
Attendance at slaughter houses (high and
low through put, red meat and poultry(white
meat) in liaison with MHS to ensure
legislative compliance, in particular with:
 Biosecurity (vehicles, premises and
people)
 Livestock identification
 Welfare
 Transport
 Licensing and record keeping
 Specific pre movement licensing
 All other relevant legislation
All slaughter houses to be attended.
Attendance frequency reviewed with DVM.
Appropriate reduced attendance
frequency reviewed with DVM
agreed in line with risk
All these activities with
regard to the transport
unloading and
identification of livestock
should normally occur
outside of the
slaughterhouse
production area. This
service delivery function
does not require Local
Authority officers to enter
the slaughterhouse
production area, or
undertake enforcement in
relation to the
slaughterhouse operation
itself. The MHS are
responsible for
enforcement in the
slaughterhouse itself, and
Local Authorities should
liaise with MHS with
regard to any need to
enter the slaughterhouse
production area.
5.3 Attendance at
Critical Control Points
- Dealers
Outcomes 1, 2, 5 and 6
Identification of Dealers
Visits/inspections to verify legislative
compliance
Outcomes 1, 2, 5 and 6
Better
Practice
(Level 3)
Low risk: quarterly basis.
attendance at some point during operating
hours
Medium risk: Monthly attendance at some
point during operating hours
High risk: Weekly attendance at some
point during operating hours
Establish and maintain communication
links with MHS at abattoir with regard to
reporting of anomalies (e.g. single tagged
bovines on agreed Local Authority / MHS
template)
Compile and maintain list of known
dealers
Written report given at time of
inspection
Plan visits/inspections according to risk
Major non compliances found during
inspections should be reported to
relevant agencies
Inspection programmes co-ordinated, if
appropriate with other agencies and Local
Authorities
- 11 -
Re visit when actionable
infringements have occurred
Adoption of
quality
assurance
procedures
Activity Matrix
Activity
Content and relevant outcome(s)
Minimum Standard (Level 1)
Good Practice (Level 2)
Better
Practice
(Level 3)
5.4 Attendance at
Critical Control Points
- Ports (excluding
BIPs)
Attendance at Ports to ensure legislative
compliance, in particular with:
 Biosecurity (vehicles, premises and
people)
 Livestock identification
 Welfare
 Transport
 Import/export documentation
 All other relevant legislation
Planned visit or inspection programme
prioritised due to risk status
Local Authority officers usually
available outside office hours
Respond to notifications of potential illegal
arrivals/departures
Agreed
quarantine
arrangements
in place
Liaison with Marina (Sea) operators
Ensure appropriate disease information
signs are clearly displayed
Planned visits outside normal office
hours
Outcomes 1, 2, 5 and 6
Local Authority contact details clearly
displayed
Formal call out
procedures
provide
guaranteed
response out of
hours
Liaison arrangements with Animal Health,
Port/Harbour management and Port
Health Service.
International Catering Waste: disposal in
legal manner
Formal
agreements
with operators
to self monitor
landings
Contact numbers available for quarantine
5.5 Attendance at
Critical Control Points
- High risk Farms
(Other than dealers)
Visits/inspections to verify legislative
compliance
Outcomes 1, 2, 5 and 6
Planned visit or inspection programme
prioritised due to risk status
Written report given at time of
inspection
Risk re assessed following visit/inspection
Major non compliances found during
inspections should be reported to
relevant agencies
Inspection programme to take into
account other agency inspections e.g.
RPA/RIW/AH to avoid duplication and
arrange joint visits where necessary.
Checks from AMLS2/AMES data
- 12 -
Facilities in
place for
detaining ‘pre
export’
animals
Re visit when actionable
infringements have occurred
Adoption of
quality
assurance
procedures
Activity Matrix
Activity
Content and relevant outcome(s)
Minimum Standard (Level 1)
Good Practice (Level 2)
Better
Practice
(Level 3)
5.6 Visits and
inspections to other
premises
Visits to verify legislative compliance.
Planned visit or inspection according to
risk, as per agreed Service Delivery Plan
Written report given at time of
inspection
Inspection programme to take into
account other agency inspections e.g.
RPA/RIW/AH to avoid duplication and
arrange joint visits where necessary.
Major non compliances found during
inspections should be reported to
relevant agencies
Adoption of
quality
assurance
procedures
Commercial hauliers
Farms (including own livestock vehicle)
Agricultural Shows and farm dispersal sales
Knackers/Hunt kennels/renderer
Maggot farms etc
Any other premises of livestock origin and
destination
5.7 In transit checks
Outcomes 1, 2, 5 and 6
Roadside checks (in conjunction with police)
Police led multi agency roadside checks
Local Authority led checks for animal health
and welfare compliance only (including coordination with adjacent Local Authorities)
National exercises and operations e.g. V79
Checks from AMLS2/AMES data
Re visit when actionable
infringements have occurred
Blue light stops based on local knowledge
and as identified and agreed in Service
Delivery Plan.
As minimum standard with checks
carried out outside normal office
hours
N/A
Post inspection letter/report sent to
farmer within 10 working days of
receipt of records.
N/A
Inspection of individual suspected
livestock transport vehicles (including
horses) or other agricultural vehicles
subject to AH&W legislative requirements.
Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6
5.8 Postal record
recall checks (if
carried out) on
livestock premises
Postal recall checks and verification
according to risk
Non responses subject to follow up action
as appropriate (including, if necessary
premises visit inspection)
Inspection according to risk.
On farm follow up visit if significant
breaches are identified.
Outcomes 1, 2, 5 and 6
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Activity Matrix
Activity
Content and relevant outcome(s)
Minimum Standard (Level 1)
Good Practice (Level 2)
Better
Practice
(Level 3)
5.9 Vehicle
biosecurity –
cleansing and
disinfecting
compliance
Checks on those signing declarations to
cleanse and disinfect at premises other than
where they have delivered livestock
Targeted or intelligence lead checks of
cleansing and disinfecting declarations
N/A
N/A
Intelligence lead visits carried out in line
with risk
Attendance frequency reviewed with
DVM
N/A
Emergency interagency contact regarding
disease and other enforcement incidents
All Local Authorities have emergency out
of hours contact procedures in place
N/A
Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6
All relevant agencies to be aware of
contact procedures
All Local Authorities to have a system
which provides nominated
enforcement duty staff on call out of
hours
N/A
N/A
Outcomes 1, 5 and 6
5.10 Out of operating
hours checks
Checks out of normal specified operating
hours or subsequent days for:
Markets
Slaughter houses
Premises licensed for collection of animals
for slaughter or for further rearing or
finishing
Outcomes 1, 2, 5 and 6
5.11 Stand by and on
call arrangements
6. Reactive and intelligence driven enforcement
6.1 Identified
Infringements
Identified breaches of legislation, including
biosecurity, licensing, welfare, livestock
identification, standstill breaches, illegal
imports, by products, and other disease
control work.
To be investigated and appropriate action
taken in accordance with the Local
Authority’s published Enforcement Policy
Follow up checks on suspected
irregularities identified on AMLS2/AMES
Irregularities found on documentary checks
followed up
Outcomes 1, 2, 5 and 6
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Activity Matrix
Activity
Content and relevant outcome(s)
Minimum Standard (Level 1)
Good Practice (Level 2)
Better
Practice
(Level 3)
6.2 Intelligence /
Information and
systems
Provision and collection of Intelligence
Information
Set up and ongoing maintenance of
intelligence systems
Liaison with other agencies
N/A
Outcomes 1, 2, 5 and 6
Access and development of data systems
across boundaries and inter agency work.
Infringements or suspected infringements
reported from external enforcement sources
or identified by use of data interrogation or
intelligence sources; members of the
public/complaints
To be investigated and appropriate action
taken in accordance with the Local
Authority’s published Enforcement Policy
N/A
N/A
Reactive work with other Local Authorities
and agencies
Pro-active work with other Local
Authorities and agencies
Lead role in
multi-agency
and cross
border working.
Resources
dedicated to
this
6.3 Intelligence led
actions
Outcomes 1, 2, 5 and 6
6.4 Cross border and
multi agency working
Assessment and communication to
interested parties of cross cutting issues
Research/intelligence led activities including
workshops
Working with other Local Authorities
to deal with a specific request.
Joint investigations/exercises/initiatives
Identify cross cutting issues and
relevant areas of risk suitable for
cross border and multi agency
approach
Mentoring arrangements
Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6
7. Post enforcement reporting and AMES data entry activities
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Regional
projects
Activity Matrix
Activity
Content and relevant outcome(s)
Minimum Standard (Level 1)
Good Practice (Level 2)
Better
Practice
(Level 3)
7.1 Animal Health
and Welfare
Management and
Enforcement System
(AMES)
Entry of data on to AMES system (or via
electronic data transfer from local systems
to AMES) recording Local Authority
enforcement activities, results and actions.
Recording of all enforcement data within 5
working days
Recording of all enforcement data
within 3 working days
Local Authority to designate AMES
supervisor who must be familiar with
AMES good practice guide, data quality
and auditing procedures, Business
process instructions and FAQs.
Local Authority to ensure supervisor is
following good practice guide to
maintain quality of data.
Recording of all
enforcement
data within 2
working days
Use of AMES for management information
and report generation
Recording of data on infringements
Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
7.2 Management
information
Collation of management information data
for internal use and provision to Animal
Health, Defra and Welsh Assembly
Government.
Internal procedures in place to ensure
quality of data entered
Timely provision of information, in
particular submission of statutory returns
e.g. WATO (for Annual Enforcement
Statistics return to the Commission) and
Prosecutions (AH134, for report to
Parliament)
Outcomes 3, 4 and 5
AMES: Record enforcement action on
AMES as in 7.1 above to facilitate
generating of accurate management
reports
National Performance Indicators: Collect
data in accordance with relevant National
Performance Indicators
8. Contingency planning and emergency action
- 16 -
Internal data auditing procedure in
place.
Local Authority to ensure all
inspectors are familiar with AMES
‘instructions for inspectors who
complete data entry forms’ and
encourage use of AMES produced
inspection form templates.
Use of AMES reporting facility to
produce reports to monitor progress
of agreed Service Delivery Plan
N/A
Activity Matrix
Activity
Content and relevant outcome(s)
Minimum Standard (Level 1)
Good Practice (Level 2)
Better
Practice
(Level 3)
8.1 Animal
Health/Defra/Welsh
Assembly
Government and
Local Authority
emergency
preparedness
Planning and contributing to emergency
preparedness plans with Animal
Health/Defra/Welsh Assembly Government
and other agencies as appropriate
LACORS / Local Authority plans
(individual Local Authority or with
neighbouring Local Authorities) drawn up
consistent with Defra, Welsh Assembly
Government, Animal Health generic plans
for disease outbreaks – FMD, Avian
Influenza, Rabies, Anthrax, Classical
Swine Fever.
Plans formally approved by the Local
Authority
Annual
exercise plan
Specific plans for diseases identified
as high risk in place
Plans made
publicly
available
Plans tested and reports made
Full, regular
practical
participation in
tests, training
and exercises.
Outcomes 1, 3, 5 and 6
Respond to notification of disease
outbreaks
8.2 Testing and
Training
Testing, training, practising and evaluating
activities in relation to the emergency plan
Contribution through others or on paper to
planned exercises
Outcomes 1, 3, 5 and 6
Review plans and update annually
Plans shared with identified partners
Internal and external contact details
reviewed annually
8.3 Emergency
Action
Provision of full emergency range of
services under the emergency plan, when
disease emergency declared by
Defra/Welsh Assembly Government
Full requirements of plan actioned
N/A
Individual Local
Authority
implementation
training plan.
N/A
As agreed with DVM
N/A
N/A
Outcomes 1, 3, 5 and 6
9. Additional Activities
9.1 National priorities
Provide details in Service Delivery Plan
(Annex C) of identified priorities as agreed
with the DVM and in Wales the Welsh
Assembly Government.
Outcomes 1, 2, 5 and 6
- 17 -
Activity Matrix
Activity
Content and relevant outcome(s)
Minimum Standard (Level 1)
Good Practice (Level 2)
Better
Practice
(Level 3)
9.2 Regional priorities
As above
As above
N/A
N/A
9.3 Local priorities
Outcomes 1, 2, 5 and 6
As determined by local authority in
agreement with DVM
As above
N/A
N/A
Outcomes 1, 2, 5 and 6
- 18 -
6.
National Indicators for Wales
6.1
Diseases of animals can have serious consequences for public health and the
economy of the country as a whole. Local authorities have a vital role in
decreasing the risk that animal disease poses. They do this by managing risk
factors within their area; assessing and advising on compliance with existing
rules, and taking action when non-compliance is identified; and maintaining
contingency plans for disease outbreaks should they occur.
6.2
In Wales, in addition to the national and regional priorities set, performance
indicators will include measures of risk assessment and self-assessment levels
for new businesses; percentage of high-risk businesses inspected as
programmed; and the percentages of significant breaches rectified by
intervention.
6.3
Additional guidance can be found in the "publications" section of the Data Unit
Wales website - www.dataunitwales.gov.uk.
6.4
The National Performance Indicators for Wales are shown at Annex D.
- 19 -
ANNEX A
Definitions and Glossary for the purposes of this Document
AHA
AHDO
AMES
AMLS2
Animal Gathering
Animal Health
BERR
Critical Control Point
(CCP)
Dealer (livestock)
Defra
DVM
FFG
FSA
LACORS
Large Markets
Livestock
Local Authority
Animal Health Act 1981
Animal Health Divisional Office
Animal Health and Welfare Management and Enforcement System
Animal Movements Licensing System
Defined in the Animal Gatherings (England) Order 2006 and the
Animal Gatherings (Wales) Order 2007 as:
"animal gathering" means an occasion at which animals are
brought together for one or more of the following purposes(a)
a sale, show or exhibition;
(b)
onward consignment within Great Britain;
(c)
inspection to confirm the animals possess specific breed
characteristics
A GB wide organisation dealing with animal health, public health,
animal welfare and international trade.
Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform
A business, premises, or location at which controls can be applied
resulting in the reduction in risk of the introduction or spreading of
notifiable disease in England and Wales.
The Brucellosis (England) Order 2000 and the Brucellosis (Wales)
Order 2006 defines:
“Dealer in bovine animals” - any person whose trade or business
regularly includes the selling of bovine animals purchased by that
person for the purpose of resale within 28 days.
“Dealer in livestock” - For the purposes of the Framework, means
any person whose trade or business regularly includes the selling of
livestock purchased by that person for the purpose of resale within
28 days.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Divisional Veterinary Manager
Food and Farming Group (part of Defra)
Food Standards Agency
Local Authorities Co-ordinators of Regulatory Services
Includes multiple species markets and markets with single species
with large numbers of cattle (200+) or sheep (1500+).
For the purposes of this document livestock includes cattle, sheep,
pigs, goats and poultry and any other farmed species kept for the
purposes of or involved in the production of food for the human
food chain (eg. rabbits, farmed fish).
Defined by the Local Government Act 2000 as:
(a) in relation to England—
(i) a county council,
(ii) a district council,
(iii) a unitary authority,
(iv) a London borough council,
(v) a metropolitan borough,
Market
Markets
OFFC
Operating Hours
(Markets and Animal
Gatherings)
OV
Premises
Quality Assurance
Procedures
Revenue Support
Grant (RSG)
Slaughterhouse/
Abattoir
Service Delivery
Plan (SDP)
WIT Team
(vi) the Common Council of the City of London in its capacity
as a local authority,
(vii) the Council of the Isles of Scilly,
(b) in relation to Wales, a county council or a county borough
council.
Defined in the Welfare of Animals at Markets Order as:
"market" means a market place or sale-yard or any other premises
or place to which animals are brought from other places and
exposed for sale and includes any lairage adjoining a market and
used in connection with it and any place adjoining a market used as
a parking area by visitors to the market for parking vehicles.
Also includes horse and poultry markets
Regulation (EC) 882/2004 on Official Feed and Food Controls
Times when the animal gathering would normally be receiving and
handling animals, and until the majority of the animals (75%) have
been loaded for departure
Official Veterinarian
Includes any land, building or other place (Animal Health Act 1981)
Includes regular auditing, by line managers, of inspections and
revisits (including auditing against the local authority’s own
guidance)
Funding provided by the Government to local authorities.
Also includes horse and poultry slaughterhouses/ abattoirs and
includes slaughterhouse/abattoirs used for compulsory and welfare
disposal schemes where the animals are not entering the human
food chain
A document completed and agreed annually by each Local
Authority and their DVM, it takes account of the Local Authority
Profile and details the level of delivery of service relating to the
various functions, activities and content of work areas covered in
the Framework. As laid out in Annex C.
Welfare in Transport team at Animal Health Worcester dealing with
statutory returns and other matters under the relevant legislation
ANNEX B
Activity Matrix for Animal Welfare (Optional)
Part A
1.
It is intended the following activity matrix below may be used for farm animal welfare
complaints received by Local Authorities who deal with this type of complaint. It
provides a basic framework in relation to the Animal Welfare Act 2006. It is anticipated
that Sections 2, 6 and 7 (Training and Development, Reactive and intelligence-driven
enforcement and Post-enforcement reporting and AMES data entry activities respectively)
in the main framework would also be applicable to this section.
2.
This part applies to England and Wales. In addition, in Wales there is a scheme
concerning the welfare of companion animals. Details are contained in Part B of this
Annex.
Activity
1. On Farm Welfare
1(a) Authorisation of
inspectors under the
Animal Welfare Act
2006.
1(b) Response to
farm welfare
complaints received
from a member of
the public or another
agency.
Minimum Standard
Good Practice
Better Practice
Inspectors authorised by Local
Authorities under the Animal Health
Act 1981 (as amended) should be
authorised as Inspectors under the
Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Liaison with local Animal Health
Divisional Office (AHDO) as soon as
possible to discuss complaint.
N/A
N/A
Where appropriate, arrange joint
visit with AHDO Veterinary Officer to
investigate within 24hrs of receipt of
complaint.
Where appropriate, arrange
joint visit with AHDO
Veterinary Officer to
investigate on same day as
complaint received.
Refer to AMES Database see if
there is any recorded history of
problems on the premises.
Where appropriate, arrange joint
visit with AHDO Veterinary Officer to
investigate on next working day after
receipt of complaint.
Where it is considered that a
Veterinary Officer is not required in
the first instance, visit premises to
investigate on next working day after
receipt of complaint.
1(c) Enforcement
action
Where an animal’s welfare is being
seriously compromised immediate
enforcement action should be taken.
Where it is considered that a
Veterinary Officer is not required in
the first instance, visit premises to
investigate within 24hrs of receipt of
complaint.
Liaison with other appropriate
agencies in order to try and establish
if complainant is subject of any other
complaints / investigations.
Where appropriate organise a Case
Conference with all enforcement
bodies involved to discuss the case
and how best to proceed in order
that all agencies are moving forward
in the same direction.
Where it is considered that a
Veterinary Officer is not
required in the first instance,
visit premises to investigate
on same day as complaint
received.
Activity
Minimum Standard
Good Practice
Better Practice
Where an Improvement Notice is
appropriate, service of Notice within
24hrs of visit taking place.
Where an Improvement
Notice is appropriate,
service of Notice at time of
visit.
The Inspector should take such
action as is necessary to alleviate
suffering to any animal(s) without
undue delay.
Where an Improvement Notice is
appropriate, service of Notice within
48hrs of visit taking place.
Cognisance should be taken of the
guidance issued by Defra and Welsh
Assembly Government in
accordance with Section 10 of the
Act.
1(d) Follow up visits
to premises against
whom a welfare
complaint was
received.
1(e) Follow up visits
to premises where
an Improvement
Notice was served.
The agreed template for the
Improvement Notice should be used.
If necessary and in consultation with N/A
Veterinary Officer revisit the
premises within an appropriate
period of initial visit.
Where appropriate monitoring visits
should be carried out during the
compliance period and these should
be appropriate to the severity of the
complaint.
Revisit within 2 working days of end
of Compliance Period specified in
the Notice or sooner dependent
Revisit within 2 days of end of
Compliance Period specified in the
Notice or sooner dependent upon
severity of complaint.
N/A
Revisit within 1 day of end of
Compliance Period specified
in Notice or sooner
dependent upon severity of
complaint.
Activity
1(f) Arrangements
for taking
possession of an
animal / animals
which are being
caused suffering or
likely to be if their
circumstances do
not change.
1(g) Destruction of
an animal / animals
if deemed
necessary.
Minimum Standard
upon severity of complaint.
Contingency plans drawn up as to
how taking possession of an animal
/ animals will be facilitated and for
their subsequent care until they are
disposed of or returned.
These contingency plans should
identify suppliers / contractors /
premises for:
 appropriately trained /
experienced staff to handle and
care for the animals.
 appropriate equipment to handle
the animals.
 transporting the animals.
 suitable premises to keep
animals.
 supply of feed.
 supply of suitable bedding
material.
 provision of Veterinary care.
Contingency arrangements in place
to facilitate the destruction of an
animal / animals if deemed
necessary by Veterinary Surgeon or
an Inspector / Constable.
Good Practice
Better Practice
Contract arrangements with
suppliers / contractors / premises
for:
 appropriately trained staff to
handle and care for the animals.
 appropriate equipment to handle
the animals.
 transporting the animals.
 suitable premises to keep
animals.
 supply of feed.
 supply of suitable bedding
material.
 provision of Veterinary care.
N/A
Contact list of Veterinary Surgeons
(including out of hours services)
whom could be used for this
purpose if necessary.
Authorised Inspector(s)
trained and provided with
suitable equipment to
humanely destroy animals
where necessary.
Contact List of other suitably trained
persons whom could be used to
humanely destroy animals where
necessary.
Activity
1(h) Follow up letters
to premises which
were visited.
Minimum Standard
Follow up letter detailing the visit,
what was discussed and the
provisions of any Improvement
Notice, if served, sent within 5
working days of visit.
Good Practice
Follow up letter detailing the visit,
what was discussed and the
provisions of any Improvement
Notice, if served, sent within 3
working days of visit.
Better Practice
Follow up letter detailing the
visit, what was discussed
and the provisions of any
Improvement Notice, if
served, sent within 1
working day of visit.
Part B - WALES ONLY
Animal Welfare – Companion Animals
1.
The Companion Animal Welfare Enhancement Scheme - CAWES.
2.
CAWES is unique to Wales.
3.
The introduction of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 provides a new opportunity to raise the
profile of companion animal welfare issues in Wales; to promote amongst pet owners
and keepers of animals an increased understanding of their responsibilities.
4.
Local Authorities, as the main enforcement bodies appointed under the Animal Welfare
Act 2006, have a key role to play in promoting, educating and regulating the welfare of
‘companion animals’ (in addition to their traditional role regulating agricultural/licensed
animals).
5.
Local Authorities already operate services responsible for regulating agricultural animal
health and welfare and the licensing of various animal keeping establishments/activities
(e.g. Dog Breeders, Riding Establishments, Dangerous Wild Animals) but have not,
traditionally, been involved in regulating animal welfare outside these categories.
6.
For “best practice” it is expected that Local Authorities in Wales record information as
per the baseline funding requirements applicable to CAWES.
7.
The scheme supports Outcome 2 in the Framework.
Activity
Minimum Standard
1. Companion Animals Welfare Enhancement Scheme
1.1 Authorisation of
Inspectors authorised by Local Authorities under
Inspectors under the
the Animal Health Act 1981 (as amended) should
Animal Welfare Act 2006.
be authorised as Inspectors under the Animal
Welfare Act 2006.
Good Practice
Better Practice
N/A
N/A
1.2 Visits and Inspections
Written report given at time of inspection.
Adoption of Quality Assurance
procedures.
Carry out risk based inspections following the
baseline assessment of the number of non
agricultural and non domestic premises (e.g.
livery yards, animal sanctuaries) and connected
keepers affected by the Animal Welfare Act.
Maintain a database on Companion Animal
Welfare work.
1.3 Partnership Working
Report major non compliances found during
inspections to relevant Forum members.
Re visit when actionable infringements have
occurred.
To support the Local/Regional Animal Welfare
Forum with key animal welfare partner
organisations.
Identify key welfare issues and participate in
joint initiatives aimed at promoting good
standards of animal welfare.
To ensure information from Local/Regional
Forum is readily available to all relevant officers
within the Authority, including contact details for
all partner organisations.
Arrange joint training events with Forum
members where there is an identified need.
Take the lead role in implementing
joint initiatives and promoting good
standards of animal welfare.
Promote good working practice In accordance
with the Memorandum of Understanding with the
Animal Welfare Network Wales.
1.4 Education and Advice
To agree and deliver an annual joint
education/awareness plan through the local/
regional forum
To identify need for literature and to enable
dissemination of information on good practice
N/A
1.5 Identified Infringements
Enforcement of breaches of The Animal Welfare
Act 2006 in accordance with Memorandum of
Understanding and the Authority’s enforcement
policy.
N/A
N/A
1.6 Performance
Measurement
To complete and submit Returns as required by
the Welsh Assembly Government on a six
monthly basis.
N/A
N/A
ANNEX C
National Performance Indicator information for Wales
Planning and Regulatory Services - Public Protection
Reference
PPN/008
PPN/001
(NS17)
PPN/007
Indicator
a) The percentage of new businesses identified which were subject to a risk
assessment visit by each of the following service areas during the year:
b) The percentage of new businesses identified which returned a selfassessment questionnaire during the year, for:
i)
Trading Standards
ii)
Food Hygiene
iii)
Animal Health
iv)
Health and Safety
The percentage of high risk businesses that were liable to a programmed
inspection that were inspected, for:
i)
Trading Standards
ii)
Food Hygiene
iii)
Animal Health
iv)
Health and Safety
The percentage of significant breaches that were rectified by intervention during
the year for:
i)
Trading Standards
ii)
Animal Health
Notes
REPLACEMENT
For PPN/005
AMENDED
AMENDED