§ The Countess of Marasked Her Majesty's Government:
On how many occasions during the recent outbreak of foot and mouth disease appeals against decisions of Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food or Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs officials to slaughter animals were upheld by the courts; how many cases were withdrawn by the animal owners prior to court hearings; and in how many cases were the officials decisions upheld. [HL1576]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Whitty)Defra officials sought High Court injunctions to slaughter animals on four occasions. In two of these cases the injunction was denied. In the other two cases the department was granted an injunction. There have been 31 cases in which animal owners withdrew their challenge to slaughter prior to court hearings. In addition, one claim for judicial review was withdrawn by the animal owners, one judicial review was won by the department and a further judicial review is ongoing.
§ The Countess of Marasked Her Majesty's Government:
In cases where appeals to the courts against decisions of Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food or Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs officials to slaughter animals were withdrawn or refused, how many animals were slaughtered; and how many of those animals showed signs of foot and mouth disease. [HL1578]
§ Lord WhittyDefra headquarters is aware of 14,379 animals that were slaughtered after appeals had been refused or withdrawn from the courts. It is not possible to say how many of these animals showed signs of foot and mouth disease. However, seven of the 34 premises where owners of animals appealed against slaughter subsequently tested positive for the foot and mouth disease virus and were classified as infected premises. Information is currently being sought from regional offices on cases that were dealt with locally so that a full picture can be established.