FAWC opinion offers some positives on sheep lameness

The NFU is warning against introducing more laws and inspections to tackle lameness in sheep but says that some positives have been offered by the Farm Animal Welfare Council on tackling the issue, including continued voluntary flock health planning.

Livestock board chairman Alistair Mackintosh said that FAWC’s view would be better put before the Sheep Health and Welfare Group to enable farmers to continue their fight against sheep lameness without increased red tape or costs.

"Animal welfare is always at the forefront in the mind of any farmer and I would say that despite their best efforts the vast majority of farmers can identify with lameness in sheep.

"I welcome this acknowledgment from FAWC. The NFU has always encouraged farmers to part take part in voluntary flock health planning and we would support FAWC in this. We would also support the humane slaughter of sheep which are suffering from painful and untreatable lameness.

"However, there a number of areas of concern. Firstly the level of prevalence needs to be looked at further as we have no clear data to work from. The issue around lameness is more of control and the sheep industry is already involved in tackling lameness though such initiatives as the Better Return Programme.

"I seriously question the FAWC view that laws on lameness need to be enforced by government as farmers are already inspected on animal welfare issues by a number of government bodies. With this in mind I believe the FAWC opinion should be presented to the Sheep Health and Welfare Group. This industry partnership body should study the FAWC recommendations in order to provide the sheep industry with realistic and tangible options to tackle lameness."