The Scottish Crofters Federation (SCF) says it is “seriously concerned” about new requirements for livestock transports on ferry journeys over three hours.
Restrictions by the UK Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) imply that livestock must be accompanied by a person able to euthanise animals during a ferry crossing which is over three hours.
This introduces many difficulties for crofters on islands such as Barra who will either have to find someone to accompany the animals or instead have to transport livestock to the mainland by way of a lengthy detour via Lochmaddy, with longer overall journey times detrimental to animal welfare.
CalMac points out the new rules have been foisted upon the shipping operator by the UK Government body, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)
A CalMac spokeswoman said: “The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) have informed us that we can no longer carry unaccompanied livestock without a Transportation Authorisation Licence.
“This applies to journeys lasting more than three hours.
“One of the requirements for the licence is that we should not accept unaccompanied livestock unless someone onboard is trained to euthanise animals on welfare grounds.
“As we do not have that in place, we are unable to accept unaccompanied livestock on journeys of more than three hours.
“The alternative was not to accept any livestock on any route of any length, which of course was not feasible.”
She added: “We know that this sudden change in regulations is not ideal for our customers on longer routes, such as Barra to Oban, and are in close contact with NFUS and other stakeholders.
“We are working hard to resolve this issue and are committed to finding a solution to suit farmers, CalMac staff and the regulator.”
The new rules will create a range of problems say the SCF: Assuming that the only option for euthanasia in this situation would be a captive bolt as it is unlikely that a vet would be on hand to administer a lethal injection, who would decide euthanasia would be required? How is the animal going to be restrained? And how is disposal of the carcass going to be handled?
SCF chief executive Donna Smith said: “Given the increasing burdens being placed on crofters, this feels like another move that will contribute to livestock keepers giving up in the face of adhering to impossible regulations which I’m sure will also have ripple effect impacts on many businesses, hauliers, and not least CalMac themselves.”
“We are hoping to come to an agreement preventing the imposition of this onerous and nonsensical measure,” she added.
SCF has written to David Hamill, CalMac’s area manager for the Outer Hebrides, Small Isles, Skye and Raasay, asking to be included in any stakeholder discussions aimed at resolving this issue, and has informed Highlands and Islands MSPs about the problems this policy poses for crofters.”
Crofters federation hit out at new ‘nonsensical’ ferry livestock rule
22 January 2025
