Farmers fear cost of removing stock (From Gazette & Herald)

Farmers fear cost of removing stock

FARMERS are worried that they face having to pay hundreds of pounds to remove dead livestock under new government regulations.

From April 30, farmers and graziers will be banned from burying dead animals on their land and will have to pay for a collection service.

Coun Herbert Tindall, vice-chairman of the North York Moors National Park authority told its members that it was likely to cost farmers £300 to have a medium-size beast incinerated and even £50 for a dead rabbit if it was on a public right of way.

Andy Wilson, the chief executive, said the issue had been taken up with the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

Members were told in a report from the authority's primary land users group that its members were concerned because of the practicalities of collecting dead stock from inaccessible areas and farmers preferred to spend their limited money on live animals rather than dead ones.

There could also be biosecurity risks from a collection service, said the group, and the possibility of sick or dead animals being sold on or dumped.

The group was told by the park's estate and moorland officer, Michael Graham, that DEFRA is developing proposals for a collection service with the National Farmers' Union, and the rendering industry.

However, there was disagreement over whom the problems belong to - the farming industry or public health. Some other European countries do have a free collection service, he said.

Access plans are being developed on the Goathland Estate and the Levisham Estate under the new Countryside and Rights of Way Act.

Richard Grunton, head of park services, said the Goathland plan had been welcomed and praised by the public and organisations which were consulted, and also by the Moorland Access Advisory Group.

The park's open access officer, Suzy Grindley, is working with landowners, managers, local communities and user groups to agree how best to manage the new right of access, said Mr Grunton.

"It is intended that all areas of the national park will be covered by such a plan in advance of the new rights coming into force in 2005."

Updated: 09:51 Wednesday, March 12, 2003