§ Lord Reaasked Her Majesty's Government:
What conclusions have been reached following the consultations on proposals to protect rare breeds and hefted sheep. [HL2105]
§ Baroness HaymanOn 19 April proposals concerning the exemption of rare breeds and hefted sheep from the contiguous and 3km cull were published and views sought. The vast majority of respondents to this exercise welcomed the proposals. Arrangements for exempting rare breeds of sheep and goats, and other pedigree sheep and goats of high genetic value, and genuinely hefted sheep, such as 165WA Herdwicks and Swaledales, from contiguous and 3km culls have now been introduced and guidance issued. The guidance explains what information needs to be submitted to gain exemption. A copy of this guidance is being placed in the Library of the House.
These arrangements allow for owners of sheep or goats who think their stock may qualify and are notified it is to be slaughtered as part of a contiguous or 3km cull to apply for exemption from their local Divisional Veterinary Manager (DVM). Owners need to show that the animals can be isolated from other susceptible livestock, and managed in compliance with tight biosecurity. Before registration as an exempted flock/herd, the DVM will arrange for blood samples to be taken for testing. The results for these blood tests must be negative for registration to be granted; positive blood tests will result in the flock/herd being slaughtered.