HL Deb 20 December 2001 vol 630 cc86-7WA
The Countess of Mar

asked Her Majesty's Government:

On how many occasions the legality of decision; of Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food or Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs officials to slaughter livestock was challenged by animal owners during the recent outbreak of foot and mouth disease. [HL1575]

Lord Whitty

Defra headquarters has been involved in, or made aware of, 131 cases where animal owners challenged decisions to slaughter livestock. Not all were challenged on the legality of the decision. Information is currently being sought from the regions on additional cases that were dealt with locally so that a full picture can be established.