Trading Standards are the local enforcement authority for animal health legislation, and we employ a full-time Animal Health and Welfare Inspector to enforce the disease control orders under The Animal Health Act 1981 and the welfare provisions of The Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.

Our inspectors visit farms and collection centres to ensure that legislation is being complied with and that records are being kept up to date. We check that vehicles are cleansed and disinfected after use.

Visits are also made where there is concern over the welfare of farmed animals.

Our inspectors will provide advice to farmers on the applicable welfare codes within the livestock industry. They also investigate welfare problems and may be accompanied by veterinary officials from APHA where necessary. If there are serious problems then our inspectors have a range of enforcement options available to them which can include taking possession of animals on welfare grounds. They can also submit reports to the Procurator Fiscal.

We work closely with officials from APHA and other agencies to help prevent the spread of infection during outbreaks of diseases such as Foot and Mouth, Avian Influenza and Rabies.

We also undertake roadside checks with agencies such as the police and DVSA to ensure that livestock hauliers adhere to transport legislation.

Horse Passports

All horse owners must ensure that their horse is correctly identified; they must also hold a valid passport (equine identification document) for their animal. The same requirement applies to all owners of equines. Guidance can be found by following the below links:

Importing and Exporting Animals

When animals are to be imported or exported, all relevant persons must ensure that they are correctly identified, in good health and accompanied by the correct documentation. There are also documentation requirements for germplasm and germinal products. Guidance can be found by following the below links:

Animal Movement and Restrictions

There are strict controls and restrictions around the movement of animals to prevent disease. Guidance can be found by following the below links:

If you require further advice or assistance concerning animal health and welfare legislation relating to the livestock industry, please contact Trading Standards.

Under a memorandum of understanding with the SSPCA, specific enquiries about the welfare of pet animals such as cats and dogs and other companion animals should be directed in the first instance to the SSPCA at 03000 999 999 or via the SPCA Contact Us webpage.

More detailed information on the animal health and welfare work we do is provided via the links below. The information below has been compiled by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute.