Animal health and welfare framework: 2020 to 2022

Annex D: Activity matrix for animal welfare (Optional)

Part A

1. It is intended the following activity matrix below may be used for farm animal welfare complaints received by Local Authorities who deal with this type of complaint. It provides a basic framework in relation to the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006. It is anticipated that Sections 2, 6 and 7 (Training and Development, Reactive and intelligence-driven enforcement and Post-enforcement reporting and data entry activities respectively) in the main Framework would also be applicable to this section.

2. It is important that local authorities that decide not to authorise Inspectors under part 2 of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 recognise that they still have powers under the Act to prosecute offences under the Act. It is also recommended that local authorities that decide not to deal with welfare offences under this Act have a contingency plan in place to deal with any complaints that they may receive (e.g. contact details for local APHA VL or SSPCA; or specific arrangements with a neighbouring Local Authority who agree to do the work).

3. This framework fulfils the requirements of Outcome 2.

1. On Farm Welfare

Activity

1(a) Authorisation of inspectors under part 2 of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.

Minimum Standard/Priority Activity

Where appropriate, inspectors to be authorised under part 2 of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.

Good Practice

N/A

Better Practice

N/A

Activity

1(b) Response to farm welfare complaints received from a member of the public or another agency.

Minimum Standard/Priority Activity

Liaison with local APHA as soon as possible to discuss complaint.

Where appropriate, arrange joint visit with APHA Veterinary Inspector to investigate within one working day after receipt of complaint.

Where it is considered that a Veterinary Inspector is not required in the first instance, visit premises to investigate within one working day after receipt of complaint.

Good Practice

Where appropriate, arrange joint visit with APHA Veterinary Inspector to investigate within 24hrs of receipt of complaint.

Where it is considered that a Veterinary Inspector is not required initially, visit premises to investigate within 24hrs of receipt of complaint.

Liaison with other agencies in order to try and establish if complainant is subject of any other complaint investigations. Follow the principles of the MOU with Scottish SPCA.

Where appropriate, organise a case conference with all enforcement bodies involved to discuss the case and how best to proceed in order that all agencies are moving forward in the same direction.

Better Practice

Where appropriate, arrange joint visit with APHA Veterinary Inspector to investigate on same day as complaint received.

Where it is considered that a Veterinary Inspector is not required in the first instance, visit premises to investigate on same day as complaint received.

Activity

1(c) Enforcement action

Minimum Standard/Priority Activity

Where an animal's welfare is being seriously compromised immediate enforcement action should be taken.

The Inspector should take such action as is necessary to alleviate suffering to any animal(s) without undue delay.

Where an Improvement Notice is appropriate, service of Notice within 48hrs of visit taking place.

Cognisance should be taken of the guidance issued by the Scottish Government in accordance with Section 38 of the Act.

The agreed template for the Improvement Notice should be used.

Good Practice

Where an Improvement Notice is appropriate, service of Notice within 24hrs of visit taking place.

Better Practice

Where an Improvement Notice is appropriate, service of Notice at time of visit.

Activity

1(d) Follow up visits to premises against whom a welfare complaint was received.

Minimum Standard/Priority Activity

If necessary and in consultation with Veterinary Inspector revisit the premises within an appropriate period of initial visit.

Good Practice

N/A

Better Practice

N/A

Activity

1(e) Follow up visits to premises where an Improvement Notice was served

Minimum Standard/Priority Activity

Where appropriate monitoring visits should be carried out during the compliance period and these should be appropriate to the severity of the complaint.

Revisit within 2 working days of end of Compliance Period or sooner dependent upon the severity of the complaint

Good Practice

N/A

Better Practice

Revisit within 1 day of end of Compliance Period specified in Notice or sooner dependent upon severity of complaint

Activity

1(f) Arrangements for taking possession of an animal / animals which are being caused suffering or likely to be if their circumstances do not change.

Minimum Standard/Priority Activity

Discussions between APHA and Local Authorities regarding possible arrangements in the event of a requirement to take possession of animals. Possible shortfalls to be included in the document.

Good Practice

Contingency plans drawn up as to in what circumstances and how taking possession of an animal / animals will be facilitated and for their subsequent care until they are disposed of or returned.

These contingency plans should identify suppliers / contractors / premises for:

• appropriately trained / experienced staff to handle and care for the animals.
• appropriate equipment to handle the animals.
• transporting the animals.
• suitable premises to keep animals.
• supply of feed.
• supply of suitable bedding material
• provision of Veterinary care.

Better Practice

Contract arrangements with suppliers / contractors / premises for:

• appropriately trained staff to handle and care for the animals.
• appropriate equipment to handle the animals.
• transporting the animals.
• suitable premises to keep animals.
• supply of feed.
• supply of suitable bedding material.
• provision of Veterinary care

Activity

1(g) Destruction of an animal / animals if deemed necessary.

Minimum Standard/Priority Activity

Contingency arrangements in place to facilitate the destruction of an animal / animals if deemed necessary by Veterinary Surgeon or an Inspector / Constable.

Good Practice

Contact list of Veterinary Surgeons (including out of hours services) whom could be used for this purpose if necessary.

Contact List of other suitably trained persons whom could be used to humanely kill animals

Better Practice

Authorised Inspector(s) trained and provided with suitable equipment to humanely destroy animals where necessary.

Activity

1(h) information on visit relayed to Owner / Keeper.

Minimum Standard/Priority Activity

Discussion with owner / keeper detailing the reason and outcome of the visit within 5 working days

Good Practice

Notice / Inspection sheet / Letter detailing the visit, what was discussed and the provisions of any Notice. Sent within 5 working days of visit.

Better Practice

Notice / Inspection sheet / Letter detailing the visit, what was discussed and the provisions of any Notice.

Served at inspection or sent within 3 working days of visit.