This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Animal welfare consultation
11/12/2006
Proposals to agree the principles of responsibility and cost sharing for animal health and welfare were published today.
A Scottish Executive consultation will gather views on the basic principles, to support more detailed proposals to promote animal health and welfare standards and support a sustainable livestock sector.
Rural Development Minister Ross Finnie said:
"The Animal Health and Welfare Strategy set out the importance of close partnership working between Government and industry in promoting animal health and welfare. Reducing risk of disease and promoting best practice is part of that. The Strategy also took account of the foot and mouth disease inquiries'conclusions regarding a better share of costs between industry and taxpayers.
"This consultation builds on that earlier work. The Executive has led significant developments to protect Scotland from endemic and exotic diseases. Pre- and post-movement testing of cattle for TB and enhanced controls against illegal meat imports, including better biosecurity, are just two examples and reflect a sharing of responsibilities by Government and industry. Industry has much to offer and this initiative gives them a greater opportunity to contribute to improved animal health and welfare, be more influential and be rewarded for their efforts.
"This is a significant opportunity for better Government/industry working and I would encourage everyone to consider the principles ."
The outcome of the process behind responsibility and cost sharing is to ensure that Government, industry and others have an agreed framework to consider future specific proposals aimed at the better management of animal disease risks and associated reductions in costs.
Background:
The consultation lasts until March 5, 2007. Similar consultations are being undertaken in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Responsibility and cost sharing was highlighted as a key principle in the Animal Health and Welfare Strategy and the inquiry into foot and mouth disease highlighted the issue of the balance between Government and taxpayer, saying:
"On narrow economic grounds, it is difficult to see why costs as substantial as those of 2001 epidemic should be met by people not engaged in agriculture...It is neither possible nor acceptable that the farming industry should bear the full costs associated with that control. There are wider benefits in controlling FMD, which accrue to the country as a whole. The implication of this is that the public should bear at least some of the costs of maintaining a healthy and extensive livestock industry. But, in return, the farming industry must recognise that it, along with others, has responsibilities for the rural economy and should contribute to its future development."
Responsibility and cost sharing is also being pursued by the European Commission in their emerging community animal health policy.