United Kingdom-Clearing dead and fallen stock.

WHILE millions of newborn lambs will soon be seen in fields and hills across the UK, this is also the time of year when a sizeable number of sheep die for a variety of reasons.

Apart from some remote parts of the country where there is a derogation from EU regulations, including the Highlands, it is illegal to bury dead animals on farms. Casualties must now be disposed of through the National Fallen Stock Company (NFSCo), wADVERTISEMENTith farmers picking up the bill.

NFSCo has issued a timely reminder that the costs of farmers taking matters into their own hands can be high indeed.

There have been some recent incidents where farmers have flouted the legislation and been prosecuted.

The worst case has been in Wales where more than 200 rotting sheep carcases were found in three ravines. It is believed that the animals were dumped by an individual running an illegal collection scheme. A prosecution is pending.

In another case a farmer who left 17 rotting sheep and lamb carcases on his land so that he could bait and shoot stray dogs was fined £4,500. A farmer near Burnley in Lancashire who left 16 sheep and cow carcases was also fined £4,500.

One individual received a suspended 12-week jail term, was placed under a supervision order and ordered to pay £1,165 costs.

After the court appearance, the farmer was reported to have said: "This is a wake-up call for all sheep farmers."

Michael Seals, chairman of NFSCo, said: "Under the animal by-products order, all livestock farmers must dispose of their stock through recognised, proper channels.

"The UK has an excellent network of efficient collectors who do a fantastic job, and there is an organised system of facilitating and paying for collections through the scheme.

"We are here to help farmers dispose of their fallen stock easily, quickly and as cost-effectively as possible.

The disposal of fallen stock admittedly does cost money, but the charges are very reasonable compared with the risks of being fined and possibly jailed."

If a farmer’s records go astray, the NFSCo website can provide proof of proper disposal.

There have been relatively few breaches of the regulations in Scotland but local authorities are now taking a stronger line on any misdemeanours.