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The Department of Agriculture has made changes to its Fallen Animal Scheme on the eve of a planned strike by knackery operators.
The Department says that the revised scheme is to provide support for the collection and disposal of fallen bovines under 48 months (not subject to TSE testing), sheep and goats in accordance with EU Animal By-products (ABP) legislation.
The farmer will continue to pay a fee to the animal collector for the collection of dead animals. However, the Department has set maximum amounts that can be charged.
Collection fees
The farmer will pay a fee to the animal collector for the collection service provided. The maximum amounts that can be charged are:
Voluntary scheme
Participation by animal collectors in the amended Fallen Animal Schemes for Fallen Farm Stock is voluntary, according to the Department of Agriculture.
The Department says it recognises the importance of the animal collection service is well recognised by the Department, as it provides an essential commercial service to the farming community and wider public.
It also acknowledges the challenges facing the sector and has engaged intensively with all stakeholders including the Animal Collector Association and farming representative groups.
Viability
The Department says it is confident that the amended Scheme will support the sustainability and viability of the service with the aim of ensuring a continued fallen animal collection service to the farming community.
The Scheme is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in line with EU State Aid legislation.
The start date for the amended Fallen Animal Schemes for Fallen Farm Stock is today, Tuesday 25 February 2020.
The Animal Collectors Association has been contacted for comment.
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