Farmer moved livestock during ban

A FARMER has been hauled before magistrates after moving livestock just three days into a national ban imposed following a foot and mouth outbreak.

A country-wide restriction zone was announced on 12 September last year after confirmation of the disease on a livestock holding in Surrey.

The restriction prohibited the movement of "susceptible animals", including sheep, from premises within the restricted zone, except under authority of a special licence granted by a Defra veterinary officer.

However, farmer Angelo Wade, 43, of Bumper Hall Farm, Oswaldtwistle, was spotted transporting 109 sheep and lambs from his own farm and unloading them at Whitecroft Farm, White-croft Lane, Haslingden Old Road, Oswaldtwistle, to be dipped.