1. How many farms in your jurisdiction have been inspected by your department on animal welfare grounds in the last 12 months and, in each case, what triggered the inspection (e.g. complaint from the public, complaint from another government department, complaint from the RSPCA, etc.)
In the last 12 months we have conducted 192 “Primary” inspections to 182 Livestock-holding farms on Animal Welfare grounds. We have also conducted 48 “Secondary” inspections to 31 Livestock-holding farms on Animal Welfare Grounds. All visits are intelligence-led, and based on risk, with a number of factors playing a role.
2. How many of those inspections led to legal action being taken against a farm
From visits to farms occurring in this period, four decisions to prosecute have so far resulted. Other investigations may be ongoing.
3. I would also be grateful if you could tell me how many farms which rear animals (of any kind) are currently operating in your jurisdiction
We have 21,648 livestock premises currently listed on our computer system. However, this may not be a comprehensive figure.
The information relates to the areas of the Devon, Somerset and Torbay Trading Standards Service.