Animal Health and Welfare Framework 2015-2017

1.1 The Animal Health and Welfare Framework was introduced after the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak in 2001, to recognise the importance of central and local government working in partnership. It was created in 2002 from a partnership between Defra, the Welsh Assembly Government and the former Local Government Regulation (previously LACoRS prior to its dissolution in 2011), on behalf of local authorities. All parties continue to work in partnership on the operation of this Framework.

1.2 The Animal Health and Welfare Framework reflects the freedom for councils to decide the best approach for service delivery in their area and the ongoing reduction in public sector finance. The amended Framework aims to provide practical support on activities to be considered at a local level, risk assessment and working with key partners to prevent duplication, maximise resource and identify local priorities. The ring fencing of grants, including the previous direct funding for animal health and welfare enforcement, has been removed.

1.3 The reduction in central oversight of local government has brought new responsibilities for councils. It is essential that councils work transparently, be accountable to local communities and work together to regulate and improve the sector. Councils should continue to engage businesses, government partners and wider community groups in the delivery of services.

1.4 The Framework provides support for local authorities in carrying out their statutory duties under animal health and welfare legislation, namely the Animal Health Act 1981 and Europe wide legislation made under the European Communities Act 1972. Under the Animal Health Act 1981, every local authority shall appoint as many inspectors and other officers as the local authority think necessary for the execution and enforcement of this Act.

1.5 Section 5 Part A of the Framework highlights the national priority activities that should be considered by local authorities in planning the delivery of animal health and welfare services. These are priorities that are deemed to provide a measure of national protection against the incursion and spread of disease across local authority boundaries.

1.6 The Framework provides a risk based approach to animal health and welfare duties carried out by local authorities. It incorporates the full range of animal health and welfare work carried out by local authorities, with the exception of licensing of animal establishments, and any expansion of this under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

1.7 Local authorities should aim to deliver the best services they can in consideration of the individual needs of their community, national priorities and resource available. 1

1.8 The Framework also helps to address the requirements of Regulation (EC) 882/2004 on Official Feed and Food Controls, in ensuring verification of compliance with animal health and welfare rules. This Regulation aims to improve the consistency and effectiveness of Official Controls within Member States and across the EC. Member States are required to ensure that Official Controls are carried out regularly, on a risk basis and with appropriate frequency, so as to achieve the objectives of this Regulation taking account of identified risks associated with animals and their health and welfare.

1.9 The Official Controls (Animals, Feed and Food) (England) Regulations 2006 (SSI 2006/3472) and The Official Controls (Animals, Feed and Food) Wales) Regulations 2007 (SSI 2007/196) designate the competent authorities in England and Wales who carry out the Official Controls. These are principally English and Welsh Ministers and local authorities. The Regulations also provide for the sharing of information, give powers for inspectors and auditors and provide powers for English and Welsh Ministers to ascertain compliance by local authorities with the audit obligation under EC 882/2004.

1.10 Each Member State is required under Regulation 882/2004 to prepare a multi- annual (between three and five years) National Control Plan describing the national official feed and food, and animal health and welfare control arrangements, and setting out the objectives and priorities for control activities during the period of the Plan. To comply with this requirement, the United Kingdom (UK) produced the ‘Multi-Annual National Control Plan for the United Kingdom - April 2013 to March 2016 ‘. This plan was last extended and updated in March 2015.

1.11 This National Control Plan will form the basis of any future assessments by the European Commission‘s Food and Veterinary Office (FVO). Section Two – The Framework’s aims, objectives and outcomes Aims

2.1 The aim of the Framework is to ensure effective, accountable, consistent and co- ordinated delivery of animal health and welfare services throughout England and Wales, whilst recognising the different delivery landscapes in both Administrations.

2.2 It is intended to be flexible, whilst incorporating agreement on the principles of how the service is to be delivered. It fully recognises the autonomy of local authorities.

2.3 It is intended that this Framework will help encourage better management and improve forward planning. 2 The objectives of the Framework

2.4 The Framework firmly links all parties and other agencies into the Animal Health and Welfare Strategy for Great Britain which aims to: ‘develop a new partnership in which we can make a lasting and continuous improvement in the health and welfare of kept animals while protecting society, the economy and the environment from the effect of animal diseases‘. The five principles within the Strategy as applicable to the Framework are: 1. Working in partnership This is a strategy for everyone involved in animal health and welfare, including Government, local authorities, animal owners and veterinarians. Whilst APHA has a distinct role to play, it can only be successful if Defra, local authorities, local government/professional representative bodies and Welsh Government all work together. 2. Understanding and accepting roles and responsibilities. All those with an interest in animal health and welfare must have a good understanding of their responsibilities. Ultimately it is up to animal owners to make a real difference to the health and welfare of their animals. However, provision of advice and guidance can assist in this process. 3. ‘Prevention is better than cure’. Animals that are cared for appropriately and in accordance with existing biosecurity and welfare standards are more likely to be healthy, and less likely to contract or spread disease. It is essential for all animal owners to have the necessary skills to care for their animals, exercising good practice and using veterinary services and medicines appropriately. 4. Understanding the costs and benefits. Preventing animal diseases has obvious benefits as well as being cost effective. All animal owners must play their part in preventing disease but to make sure this happens, the costs and benefits involved need to be clearly understood. 5. Delivering and enforcing standards. Although last on the list, this principle is the key to making the Framework operate properly. All participating organisations have a role in providing leadership and helping to facilitate the raising of animal health and welfare standards. They must also ensure that whatever interventions are made are consistently and effectively delivered and enforced. This can only be achieved by all agencies working in partnership. 3 The outcomes of the Framework

2.5 The intended outcomes of the Framework are to: i. effectively reduce the risk of animal disease incursion and spread, thereby protecting public and animal health; ii. improve animal welfare; iii. promote a joined-up approach between all agencies involved in animal health and welfare; iv. improve provision of management information to local and national government on the delivery of animal health and welfare services, and to allow the UK to fulfil its obligations to the European Union; v. meet the objective of delivering and enforcing standards, of the Animal Health and Welfare Strategy; and, vi. protect local communities, including the effects on the local economy.

2.6 Both the activity matrices and the welfare matrix have been linked to one or more of these outcomes. Handling of priorities within the Framework

2.7 National priority should be given to: • Inspections at high risk premises and Critical Control Points (CCPs). The CCPs are the agreed businesses, premises or locations at which controls can be applied resulting in the reduction in risk of the introduction or spread of notifiable disease in England and Wales. The CCPs are: o Markets, collection centres and assembly centres. o Slaughterhouses. o Dealers. o High Risk farms. o Ports. • Respond to animal health and welfare complaints/intel using an Intelligence led enforcement approach. Important information will be processed, graded and recorded on an appropriate intelligence database to enable its retrieval and analysis. 4 • Undertake visits and/or interventions with new livestock keepers. It is new livestock keepers that are more likely to be ignorant of key requirements, such as not feeding animals waste kitchen products, which in turn could spread disease. • Each local authority should have developed and embedded appropriate contingency plans in partnership with all relevant partners to ensure they can respond swiftly and effectively to exotic disease outbreaks and incidents when they do occur. They should also test their ability to respond to a potential disease outbreak. • Provide an animal health and appropriate animal livestock welfare service, at least to a level to fulfil its statutory function under European and domestic legislation. • Enforcement activity undertaken by local authorities is entered on the national database, AMES within the stipulated timescale to provide premise history, intelligence and local and national management information. Section Three – Roles of partners

3.1 Good working partnerships with shared common objectives and understanding should encourage the highest standards of delivery of animal health and welfare activities. This joint approach is vital to the success of the Framework. The partnership will encompass: • Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). • Defra. • The National Animal Health and Welfare Panel (NAHWP). • Local Authorities. • Welsh Government. Partners will work together to: • Promote and agree consistent standards. • Provide support and guidance to all participating organisations. • Establish the smooth running of the Framework. • Participate in the National Framework Steering Group. 5 • Review the Framework. The role of the APHA under the Framework

3.2 APHA is expected to: • Communicate Defra/Welsh Government policy and priority updates to Operations Directors in England and Wales (following discussion and agreement with Defra/ Welsh Government colleagues on national issues). • Provide strategic leadership of animal health issues to local authorities. • Provide an overview of the national performance picture; • Provide guidance to Operations Directors and nominated local representatives; and • Collate statutory returns, and any other occasional returns which may be required.

3.3 APHA Operations Directors or their nominated local representatives are expected to: • where appropriate, assist and comment on a local authority‘s service delivery plan for the animal health and welfare function, agree local priorities with local authorities based on local knowledge and intelligence; and • agree regional priorities, including input from the Operations Directors to regional initiatives or projects, with local authorities. At regional meetings in advance of annual service delivery planning: • hold liaison meetings with suitable representatives of local authorities and where appropriate, other interested parties; • provide a named local contact in addition to the Operations Directors for routine communication on local authority matters; • engage with and offer participation in local and regional exotic disease exercises (or an alternative option, where the number of local authority participants is unwieldy); • support Regional Animal Health and Welfare Panels providing information and guidance to assist local authorities in addressing areas of concern in the region; • provide veterinary and/or technical staff support and advice to the local authority, or arrange suitable alternative support (for example, staff from another Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Regional Office (AHO) or the services of an Official Veterinarian); 6 • use AMES regularly to obtain details of enforcement work carried out by partner agencies; and • provide up to date information on registered livestock keepers in the local authority area.

3.4 The Activity Matrix for APHA can be found in section 6. In addition in Wales, the Operations Director is expected to: • attend discussions with the Welsh Government‘s lead policy officials and the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) to set national and local priorities; and • consider Welsh Government priorities when discussing the national and local priorities with local authorities in Wales. The role of Defra under the Framework

3.5 Defra is expected to: • Define national and regional priorities in England. • Facilitate partnership under the Framework. • Ensure policy engagement and input with other Framework partners. • Retain ownership of AMES and provide related information. The role of the Welsh Government under the Framework

3.6 The Welsh Government is expected to: • Facilitate partnership working under the Framework. • Define national and regional priorities in Wales. • Ensure policy engagement and input. The role of the National Animal Health and Welfare Panel under the Framework

3.7 The National Animal Health and Welfare Panel (NAHWP) comprises representatives from local authorities. Its purpose is to provide technical and operational policy support to local authorities in the UK by helping to coordinate good practice and provide expert advice on animal health and welfare matters and enforcement. Panel members act as specialist advisors in the areas of enforcement and law relating to animal health and welfare. The Panel will: 7 • Act as a forum for discussion, exchange of ideas and liaison between local authorities, regions, Central Government including Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency, and other relevant national agencies and industry. • Promote the work of local authorities with regards to animal health and welfare. • Function as a two-way channel for regional issues to be raised and national matters / decisions to be fed back or consulted on within the regions. • Consider consultation papers, guidance documents and matters of national interest. • Facilitate, promote, co-ordinate and implement best practice by encouraging effective and consistent enforcement standards. • Maintain liaison with regional animal health and welfare groups, Defra, the Animal and Plant Health Agency, and any other appropriate agencies and organisations associated with animal health and welfare matters. • Maintain an annual ‘work-plan’ to set out objectives and projects which the Panel may undertake. • In the event of a suspect or confirmed notifiable exotic animal disease outbreak, the Panel would not have an official role in responding to the situation, however, they may support Defra or ACTSO in an advisory capacity where required. It is acknowledged that Panel members may be needed by their local authority in responding to the situation at a local level. The role of local authorities under the Framework

3.8 Authorities are expected to: • Consider the priorities as detailed in the Activity Framework. • Produce a Service Delivery Plan detailing the activities to be carried out by the authority under the animal health and welfare function, and discuss relative priorities for Service Delivery Plans with the APHA Operations Directors or their named local contact. • Provide statutory returns (or any other occasional return) as required. • Record enforcement activity (AMES) • Work in co-operation with other local authorities, organisations and agencies as appropriate. • Foster local partnerships. • Support the National Framework Steering Group. 8 • Have regard to the enforcement guidance in the animal welfare activity matrix; or have a clear plan for ensuring that animal welfare complaints and concerns are passed to the relevant organisation to be dealt with appropriately. Subcontracting work

3.9 Where it is considered appropriate some or all of the functions relating to the Framework may be subcontracted to another local authority on a legal basis. Guidance was produced by the former LGR to help councils that want to sub contract their animal health work and broader guidance on alternative service delivery models is available from the Local Government Association (LGA). Governance – National Framework Steering Group

3.10 The National Framework Steering Group (NFSG) will consist of representation from, local authorities (NAHWP lead Framework officers), Welsh Government, Defra and APHA. The Group will meet as and when necessary

3.11 The Group‘s terms of reference are as follows: • Making strategic decisions about the Framework. • Resolve significant national queries/issues. • Ongoing monitoring of the Framework. • Support the AMES/AMLS2 User Group. • Review the application of the Framework. Section Four – Risk assessment

4.1 A risk-based approach to enforcement is, almost universally, standard practice in the local authority environment for many different aspects of their work as it facilitates work planning and appropriate resource allocation in a relatively straightforward manner.

4.2 Risk to animal health and welfare is assessed as the likelihood of: • Infringement of the legislation. • Incidence of disease. • Spread of disease. • Failure to comply with animal health and welfare best practice. 9

4.3 Local authorities are encouraged to develop their risk assessments on animal health and welfare premises in partnership with their local APHA office using their veterinary expertise. This will promote consistent risk assessments based on veterinary priorities which then allow service delivery to be targeted at consistent enforcement on the risks identified. Using the National Risk Assessment Scheme

4.4 The risk being assessed has several elements. Local authorities are encouraged to use the National Risk Assessment Scheme format, for which a table of scores for animal health and welfare is outlined below.

4.5 Local authorities are not expected to completely review their existing risk assessments and instead are encouraged to monitor and update them as part of their inspection programme or as and when premises / businesses come to their attention, whichever is sooner.

4.6 It is hoped that by using this format similar premises throughout the country will have similar baseline risk scores, which can then be adjusted to suit both veterinary and local factors. Guidance on the National Risk Assessment Scheme

4.7 This scheme breaks risk into five elements (by questions). The first four questions form the National Element. This gives a formally agreed score and should give a consistent baseline minimum for particular premises (and activity) types. Once the predetermined baseline score is identified a Local Element score (allowing local flexibility) is added at question five. This combination of National and Local risk elements gives the overall final risk score of Low, Medium or High.

4.8 Scores are suggested to encourage consistency and promote discussion between local authorities and the local AHO with a view to ensuring that resources are targeted appropriately. Part 1: The potential risk The National Element (Questions 1- 4)

4.9 This is pre-determined by asking a series of standard questions to provide a minimum risk score for particular premises and business types across England and Wales.

4.10 In order to provide consistency, the scores decided in questions 1 to 4 cannot be altered for the premise types identified. Descriptive terms such as ‘small‘, ‘low‘, and ‘short‘ are used here rather than actual figures. For farm sizes these terms are related to some generic figures in the attached Risk Scheme (page 18) that cannot be altered. The following is indicative criteria for distances and activity levels. They are: 10 Short distances – up to 50 kilometres. Medium distances – 50 to 150 kilometres. Long distances – over 150 kilometres. Low levels of activity – once a week or less, on average. Medium levels of activity – less than twice a week, on average. High levels of activity – twice or more a week, on average.

4.11 It must be emphasised that these are only indicative and local factors should be taken into account. Q.1 What is the maximum potential risk to animal health and welfare posed by the business?

4.12 The scoring should provide an indication of the risk posed by the business activity to other businesses and livestock both locally and nationally. 5 Minimal detriment – e.g. premises with smaller numbers of animals, low levels of movement activity across short geographical distances. 10 Minor detriment – e.g. premises with smaller numbers of animals but with medium levels of movement activity and/or across medium geographical distances. 15 Significant detriment – e.g. premises trading or moving larger numbers of animals on a regular basis e.g. premises with more than 50 dairy cows and 100 sheep that have medium levels of movement activity across medium geographical distances. 25 Major harm – e.g. animal gatherings / livestock markets or premises operated by livestock dealers / agents where animals arrive from multiple destinations, are mixed together for onward travel to multiple destinations across long distances. Q.2 To what extent do the activities of the business affect the hazard?

4.13 Scoring should reflect what influence the business‘s behaviour has on the actual risk e.g. the level of animal movement activity, regularity of visits to other farms, and the level of biosecurity on the premises. 5 Minimal – For example where the level of activity is low and well managed e.g. a small farm. 10 Low – e.g. where the level of activity is medium, or involves more complex activities. 11 15 Medium – e.g. where the size of the business, species kept and level of activity are medium and taking into consideration the level of effective management. 25 High – e.g. animal gatherings / livestock markets or livestock dealers / agents, large businesses with ineffective management or a bull hire firm that supplies large numbers of animals on short hires to multiple premises. Q.3 How easy is it to comply with the range and complexity of legislation applicable to the business?

4.14 This should consider the ease with which the business / premises can comply with legislative requirements taking into account the range and complexity of legislation the business has control over, the numbers of livestock and how many different species are present e.g. different animal identification movement legislation, animal transport legislation etc. 10 Low – e.g. compliance with the basic identification, movement, record keeping and cleansing & disinfection requirements for a small number of animals. 15 Medium – e.g. compliance with the same basic rules, but for medium or high volumes of animal activities. e.g. a large farm, commercial hauliers, abattoirs. 20 High – e.g. animal gatherings / livestock markets or livestock dealers / agents that must comply with more complex legislative requirements for high volumes of animal activities. Q.4 How many consumers are likely to be affected by the business failing to comply?

4.15 This should provide a measure of the number of consumers likely to be put at risk by the business failing to comply with the legislation. 10 Low – e.g. premises with a small number of animal movements or low trading levels. 15 Medium – e.g. larger businesses whose trade extends for medium distances beyond the local area. 20 High – e.g. businesses with high levels of animal movements, whose trade extends for long distances beyond the local area, animal gatherings / livestock markets, livestock dealers / agents and livestock exporters / importers. 12 Part 2: Risk management The Local Element (Question 5(a) & (b))

4.16 These should be answered locally and determined, where appropriate and necessary, in consultation with the local AHO to amend the risk attached to premises from the national baseline. Q.5(a) What confidence do you have in the business’s control systems based on levels of previous and current compliance and knowledge of management’s systems of control?

4.17 This should be an assessment of historical legislative compliance levels, the outcomes of any previous enforcement actions and confidence in the management of the business / premises up to a maximum score of 40. 0 High level of confidence – e.g. a high standard of compliance with statutory obligations and industry codes, farm assured, minimum number of significant complaints and evidence of good documented management procedures including farm health plan signed by veterinary surgeon. No concerns about the business. 15 Medium level of confidence – e.g. a high standard of compliance with statutory obligations and industry codes, some significant complaints, evidence of documented procedures and systems. Little or no concern about the business. 30 Low level of confidence – e.g. some non-compliance with statutory obligations and industry codes, staff demonstrate awareness of legislation and necessary controls, evidence of a number of significant complaints, minimal documented procedures and systems. Some level of concern about the business. 40 Little or no confidence – e.g. a general failure in compliance with statutory obligations or a varying record of compliance, poor appreciation of relevant legislation and controls, large number of significant complaints, no procedures or systems in place. High level of concern about the business. Q.5(b) Are there good veterinary reasons why a premises needs a higher score e.g. livestock numbers and density locally, proximity to intensive farming premises, significant disease problems locally or any other veterinary reason?

4.18 The veterinary assessment is designed as a form of risk assessment over-ride, to be used where a premises is identified that when baseline and local element scored falls into a lower risk band than is appropriate and which, for veterinary reasons, needs to have 13 its risk status raised to a higher risk band e.g. a pet pig keeper backing onto an intensive pig unit or a backyard poultry keeper next to a large intensive poultry unit. The veterinary element is designed to tackle this but it is also not compulsory that this element is considered for every premises. It is anticipated that discussions about these types of premises would take place between local authority and the local AHO on an individual basis when they were being risk assessed taking into account local priorities determined in consultation with stakeholders, local veterinary risk factors associated with the individual premises and livestock numbers and density in the local area. An additional score of 20 may be added here. 0 Low – e.g. few, if any, local disease concerns, low livestock numbers and density in local area. 10 Medium – e.g. stakeholder concerns over incursion and spread of disease in local area and significant livestock numbers and density locally. 20 High – e.g. high numbers and density of livestock and intensive farming locally and significant disease problems such as TB, Sheep Scab etc.

4.19 The maximum score of 60 provided for in the Local Element allows any premises to be increased to High Risk, where it is considered necessary, but only through consultation with the local AHO and is perfectly justifiable in this risk assessment scheme. It is expected that the thought processes and reasons behind any increase deemed appropriate based on the Local Element should be documented thoroughly for audit purposes and for the purposes of Open Government and attached to the relevant record(s), where possible, and / or noted in the annual Service Delivery Plan. 14 Local Authority National Risk Scores (to be used in conjunction with the National Risk Assessment Scheme) Potential Risk Hazardous Complexity No. of National minimum Local Element Total overall Activities of legislation affected risk baseline risk (national consumers score and local scores) History / Veterinary Management Assessment Trader type Q. 1 score Q. 2 score Q. 3 score Q. 4 score Pre-determined Q 5(a) score Q 5(b) score total Out of 25 Out of 25 Out of 20 Out of 20 Out of 90 Out of 40 Out of 20 Animal Gatherings Order licensed for sale 25 25 20 20 90 High Risk or collection (e.g. Store market, Dedicated slaughter market, OCDS Collecting centres, dedicated slaughter collection, breed selections etc.) Animal Gatherings Order licensed for show 15 15 20 20 70 Medium Risk or exhibition at national/regional level (numbers attending, geographical spread etc.) Animal Gatherings Order licensed for show 10 10 20 15 55 Low Risk or exhibition at local level Horse and Poultry sales 10 10 20 15 55 low risk Livestock dealer/agent 25 25 20 20 90 High Risk Commercial Hauliers (including livestock 15 15 15 20 65 Medium Risk exporters) Livestock Premises with volume+ 15 15 20 20 70 Medium Risk Livestock Premises 5 5 10 10 30 Low Risk Abattoir 25 15 15 15 70 Medium Risk Port/airport (e.g. points of entry into UK) 25 10 10 20 65 Medium Risk Animal By-Products premises (e.g. 15 15 20 15 65 Medium Risk Knackers / Hunt Kennels, Maggot Farms, Renderers, Incinerators etc.) Existing Defra guide farm size Single Species Mixed Species Premises identifiers (where species/type not with Volume specified use these as a guide) For livestock premises with mixed species which do not qualify as single species with volume the numbers of livestock Dairy Cows 100+ numbers should be accumulated using the following livestock unit figures i.e. Beef Cattle 50+ 1 cow = 5 sheep or 1 breeding pig or 10 fattening pigs or 1000 broilers or 200 layers Sheep/Goats 500+ Pigs (Breeders) 100+ e.g. A farm with 45 beef cattle + 20 sheep (= 4 cattle) giving cumulative score of 49 cattle and thereby qualifies as without Pigs (Fatteners) 1000+ volume. A farm with 75 dairy cattle + 150 sheep (= 30 cattle) giving cumulative score of 105 cattle and thereby qualifies as with Poultry (Broilers) 100000+ volume. ‘Animals at foot’ should be regarded as a single unit. Livestock numbers should be taken from the time of the most Poultry (Layers) 20000+ recent visit. Low Risk: 0 – 59, Medium Risk: 60 – 85, High Risk: 86 – 150 15 Section Five – The Activity Matrix for local authorities

5.1 The matrix should reflect the total range of activities likely to be carried out by local authorities in animal health and welfare work including planning and post-operational activities, other than the premises licensing function e.g. riding establishments, pet shops. It is recognised that it is good practice for local authorities to carry out comprehensive checks on the same visit. Animal health and welfare inspections may be undertaken at the same time as food and feed hygiene checks.

5.2 It is not intended that this guidance should prevent or restrict local authorities from making local determinations as to appropriate service delivery. All local authorities are however expected to give due consideration to the priorities outlined in this activity matrix. Part A details those priorities that are deemed to provide a measure of national protection against the incursion and spread of disease across local authority boundaries.

5.3 The national priorities listed in Part A are reviewed on an annual basis by the NFSG following consideration being given by Defra, Welsh Government and local authorities through the NAHWP. This framework may be supplemented annually with further adhoc guidance to assist prioritisation. n.b. Part B which detailed other priority areas for consideration by local authorities in planning local service delivery was removed (athough the work remains desireable) in 2014/15 to ensure local authorities focussed on Part A priorities.

5.4 The matrix describes the priority activities for service delivery together with the additional activities considered to be good practice.

5.5 Local service provision will vary according to many factors: veterinary advice, the degree of compliance or non-compliance, the numbers of market and other key premises, the size and scope of animal health and welfare work. For some local authorities it is a major feature of their work, while for some small local authorities it is only a minor element. It would not be appropriate to apply the same measure to all.

5.6 Each local authority is expected to produce an annual Service Delivery Plan which should be discussed with the, Operations Directors taking into consideration any Defra and Welsh Government priorities. The Framework should be used in the consultative process between Operations Directors and local authorities.

5.7 It is hoped that by using the activity matrix, and the reports provided by associated management information and the AMES database, everyone will be much better informed within their respective organisations. 16

5.8 The Framework is designed to assist in providing better information to the executive members of local authorities on the animal health and welfare function.

5.9 Local authorities and Operations Directors are advised to discuss any areas of work not specifically identified within the matrix.

5.10 This activity matrix should, wherever possible form the basis of the local authority‘s annual Service Delivery Plan and be used as a template. Where appropriate, the local authority should set out its targets for the year in the relevant activity areas (e.g. visits to high risk farms – liable 50/target 50).

5.11 High Risk premises should be inspected annually or as determined according to risk in the activity matrix. The Framework is not prescriptive in respect of frequency of visits to medium and low risk premises.

5.12 Local authorities can consider various methods of inspection taking account of a number of factors, including: • membership of Farm Assured schemes; • visits by other agencies; and • local intelligence (see glossary for definition of inspection). When it is determined, based on intelligence that an inspection is not required, it would be appropriate to review the next due inspection date.

5.13 The approach outlined also provides an opportunity for councils to make increased use of intelligence, data sharing, working with partners and links with industry, including farm assurance schemes. Many councils are already doing this and examples of good practice can be found on the LGA Knowledge Hub at: https://knowledgehub.local.gov.uk/home

5.14 Increased use of risk assessment and targeting of high risk businesses provides an element of earned autonomy and hence reduces the burden on compliant businesses. Column 2 links each activity to the relevant outcome (see page 8 for full details). 17 PART A NATIONAL PRIORITIES (including Critical Control Points) Activity Matrix/National Priorities Activity, content and relevant outcome(s) Priority Activity Additional Activities considered to be good practice A1. Planning the Delivery of the Local Authority Animal Health and Welfare Function A1.1 Risk Premises risk assessed in accordance with All premises risk assessed and Evidence that veterinary risks and direction taken into Assessment national risk scheme detailed in Section 4 documented (in accordance with matrix in account in local authority plans Section 4). Risk based inspection programme Risk assessment reviewed as part of planned visit. All new premises identified to be risk Outcomes 1, 2, 5 and 6 assessed and inspections carried out in Inspection programmes are co-ordinated with partner accordance with the assessed risk agencies e.g. RPA/RIW Inspection programme based on locally determined frequency according to risk Attempts are made and documented to ensure inspection programmes are co- ordinated with partner agencies e.g. RPA/RIW/APHA A2. Training and Development 18 PART A NATIONAL PRIORITIES (including Critical Control Points) Activity Matrix/National Priorities Activity, content and relevant outcome(s) Priority Activity Additional Activities considered to be good practice A2.1 Training Officers are authorised to enforce all New officers to undergo internal induction All enforcement staff have access to full legal reference for new officers relevant legislation. training on Animal Health and Welfare Officers holding or working towards recognised AH&W On-going All enforcement staff to hold recognised Continuing professional development – qualification professional qualification or have equivalent professional development experience i.e. ‘Grandfather rights’ or The minimum ongoing training should be Continuing professional development -to a minimum of undertake to achieve such qualifications as 10 hours based on the principles of CPD. 20 hours training per year soon as possible This should include training on new legislation and procedures relevant to Staff review and development programme It is recognised that in emergency situations animal health and welfare. i.e. outbreaks of disease, there may be a All new officers working towards AH&W qualification need to call upon non animal health For officers engaged in on farm food qualified officers to assist in carrying out hygiene enforcement, training in animal health and welfare duties. relation to these activities can be included. Time and resources allocated to keep up to date on appropriate Animal Health and Access to copies of all relevant AH&W Welfare legislation, codes of practice, legislation and guidance guidance etc – e.g. by accessing the LGA Knowledge Hub Outcome 5 19 PART A NATIONAL PRIORITIES (including Critical Control Points) Activity Matrix/National Priorities Activity, content and relevant outcome(s) Priority Activity Additional Activities considered to be good practice A3. Licensing Activities A3.1 All movement documents received to be Recording of 95% of live movements and Recording of 95% of live movements and 80% of Recording of date stamped or otherwise identified as to 80% of slaughter movements within three slaughter movements within two working days from day Animal date received (The 3 day timescale working days from day of receipt. of receipt. Movements – commences on the day following receipt of Wales Only the movement document by the authority). Action to be initiated within four working Action to be initiated within three working days where days where errors are detected that errors are detected that require follow up. Sheep, Goats Data entry on to the Defra AMLS2 database require follow up. and Deer of all sheep, goat and deer movement Action to be initiated within 3 working days for errors movement documents received Action to be initiated within four working recorded on eAML2 (English and Welsh LAs) and data capture days for errors recorded on eAML2 ARAMS (English LAs only) that have been escalated for and recording Action to be taken where errors are (English and Welsh LAs) and ARAMS LA follow up by the contracted service provider. of exemptions detected that require follow up resolution (English LAs only) that have been – Wales only escalated for LA follow up by the Outcomes 1 and 4 contracted service provider. Follow up action where errors are identified that require resolution – England and 20 PART A NATIONAL PRIORITIES (including Critical Control Points) Activity Matrix/National Priorities Activity, content and relevant outcome(s) Priority Activity Additional Activities considered to be good practice Wales A3.2 Issuing of Specific licences (on AMLS2) issued for Issue of all licences within one working Issue of all licences on day of receipt of application specific animal those individuals prohibited by the Minister day of receipt where no pre movement where no pre movement inspection required movement from operating under the general licence inspection required licences on AMLS2 Receipt of licence applications Assessment and issue of specific licences Issue of animal movement licences manually where approval given Outcomes 1 and 4 21 PART A NATIONAL PRIORITIES (including Critical Control Points) Activity Matrix/National Priorities Activity, content and relevant outcome(s) Priority Activity Additional Activities considered to be good practice A3.3 Initial investigation of (AMLS2) licence Resolution of all licence refusals as soon Resolution of all licence refusals within two working Investigation of application refusals; resolve if possible, as possible. days specific otherwise co-operation with AHO to (AMLS2) achieve resolution movement licence Outcomes 1 and 4 refusals A4. Enforcement activities to maximise Animal Health and Welfare compliance (CCPs) A4.1 Highly visible preventative enforcement Visible local authority presence Attendance at presence. Critical Control Livestock markets, Collection Centres and Points - Attendance at markets and other premises Assembly Centres attended by Livestock licensed for sales, and Collection Centres enforcement personnel at some stage markets, and Assembly Centres to ensure during operating hours. Attendance levels may be increased if necessary 22 PART A NATIONAL PRIORITIES (including Critical Control Points) Activity Matrix/National Priorities Activity, content and relevant outcome(s) Priority Activity Additional Activities considered to be good practice Sales, compliance, in particular with: following local risk assessment. Collection • Biosecurity (vehicles, premises and Centres and Attendance time should be varied to people) Assembly include times when animals are being • Livestock identification Centres • Central Point Recording Centre loaded/unloaded. approval conditions and contingency • Welfare • Transport • Licensing and record keeping • Specific pre movement licensing • All other relevant legislation Exact attendance levels and times according to status of gathering Outcomes 1, 2, 5 and 6 A4.2 Attendance at slaughter houses (high and All slaughter houses to be attended in Attendance at low through put, red meat and poultry(white accordance with risk Critical Control meat) in liaison with FSA Operations to 23 PART A NATIONAL PRIORITIES (including Critical Control Points) Activity Matrix/National Priorities Activity, content and relevant outcome(s) Priority Activity Additional Activities considered to be good practice Points - ensure legislative compliance, in particular Low, medium and high throughput . slaughter with: slaughterhouse attendance at some point houses • Biosecurity (vehicles, premises and during operating hours (for definition of people) throughput, see glossary All these • Livestock identification activities with • Central Point Recording Centre Establish and maintain communication regard to the approval conditions and links with FSA Operations at abattoir with transport contingency regard to reporting of anomalies (e.g. unloading and • Welfare single tagged bovines on agreed Local identification of • Transport • Licensing and record keeping Authority / FSA Operations template) livestock should • Specific pre movement licensing normally occur • All other relevant legislation outside of the Outcomes 1, 2, 5 and 6 slaughterhous e production area. This service delivery function does not require local authority officers to enter the 24 PART A NATIONAL PRIORITIES (including Critical Control Points) Activity Matrix/National Priorities Activity, content and relevant outcome(s) Priority Activity Additional Activities considered to be good practice slaughterhous e production area, or undertake enforcement in relation to the slaughterhous e operation itself. The FSA Operations are responsible for enforcement in the slaughterhous e itself, and local authorities should liaise with FSA Operations with regard to any need to enter the slaughterhous 25 PART A NATIONAL PRIORITIES (including Critical Control Points) Activity Matrix/National Priorities Activity, content and relevant outcome(s) Priority Activity Additional Activities considered to be good practice e production area. A4.3 Identification of Dealers Compile and maintain list of known Written report given at time of inspection Attendance at dealers Critical Control Visits/inspections to verify legislative Major non compliances found during inspections should Points - compliance Plan visits/inspections according to risk be reported to relevant agencies Dealers Outcomes 1, 2, 5 and 6 Inspection programmes co-ordinated, if Re visit when actionable infringements have occurred appropriate with other agencies and local authorities 26 PART A NATIONAL PRIORITIES (including Critical Control Points) Activity Matrix/National Priorities Activity, content and relevant outcome(s) Priority Activity Additional Activities considered to be good practice A4.4 Attendance at Ports to ensure legislative Planned visit or inspection programme Local authority officers available outside office hours Attendance at compliance, in particular with: prioritised due to risk status Critical Control Liaison with Marina (Sea) operators • Biosecurity (vehicles, premises and Points - Ports Respond to notifications of potential illegal people) (excluding arrivals/departures Planned visits outside normal office hours • Livestock identification BIPs) • Welfare Ensure appropriate disease information Agreed quarantine arrangements in place • Transport • Import/export documentation signs are clearly displayed • All other relevant legislation Facilities in place for detaining ‘pre export’ animals Local authority contact details clearly Outcomes 1, 2, 5 and 6 displayed Formal agreements with operators to self monitor landings Liaison arrangements with Animal Health, Port/Harbour management and Port Health Service. International Catering Waste: disposal in legal manner Contact numbers available for quarantine 27 PART A NATIONAL PRIORITIES (including Critical Control Points) Activity Matrix/National Priorities Activity, content and relevant outcome(s) Priority Activity Additional Activities considered to be good practice A4.5 Visits/inspections to verify legislative Planned visit or inspection programme Written report given at time of inspection Attendance at compliance prioritised due to risk status Critical Control Major non compliances found during inspections should Points - High Outcomes 1, 2, 5 and 6 Risk re assessed following visit/inspection be reported to relevant agencies risk Farms (Other than Inspection programme to take into Re visit when actionable infringements have occurred dealers) account other agency inspections e.g. RPA/RIW/APHA to avoid duplication and Adoption of quality assurance procedures arrange joint visits where necessary. Checks from AMLS2/AMES data A4.6 Stand by Emergency interagency contact regarding All local authorities have emergency out All local authorities to have a system which provides and on call disease and other enforcement incidents of hours contact procedures in place nominated enforcement duty staff on call out of hours arrangements Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 All relevant agencies to be aware of contact procedures 28 PART A NATIONAL PRIORITIES (including Critical Control Points) Activity Matrix/National Priorities Activity, content and relevant outcome(s) Priority Activity Additional Activities considered to be good practice A5. Partnership working and intelligence driven enforcement A5.1 Identified Identified breaches of legislation, including To be investigated and appropriate action Infringements biosecurity, licensing, welfare, livestock taken in accordance with the local identification, standstill breaches, illegal authority’s published Enforcement Policy imports, by products, and other disease control work. Follow up checks on suspected irregularities identified on AMLS2/AMES Irregularities found on documentary checks followed up Outcomes 1, 2, 5 and 6 A5.2 Provision and collection of Intelligence Set up and ongoing maintenance of Sharing intelligence with other local authorities and Intelligence / Information intelligence systems operational partners Information and systems Outcomes 1, 2, 5 and 6 Has established procedures and protocols Is developing innovative approaches to improve the necessary to capture and report animal effectiveness and range of its knowledge of national health activities including movements and 29 PART A NATIONAL PRIORITIES (including Critical Control Points) Activity Matrix/National Priorities Activity, content and relevant outcome(s) Priority Activity Additional Activities considered to be good practice enforcement action priorities and the local farming community A5.3 Infringements or suspected infringements To be investigated and appropriate action Using the intelligence to drive delivery including Intelligence led reported from external enforcement sources taken in accordance with the local development of local and regional enforcement. actions or identified by use of data interrogation or authority’s published Enforcement Policy intelligence sources; members of the Seeking opportunities to engage with stakeholder public/complaints groups etc Outcomes 1, 2, 5 and 6 A6. Post enforcement reporting and AMES data entry activities A6.1 Animal Entry of data on to AMES system (or via Recording of 90% of enforcement data Recording of 90%of enforcement data within 3 working Health and electronic data transfer from local systems within 5 working days days Welfare to AMES) recording local authority Management enforcement activities, results and actions. Local authority to designate AMES Local authority to ensure supervisor is following good and supervisor who must be familiar with practice guide to maintain quality of data Enforcement (The relevant timescale commences on the AMES good practice guide, data quality System day following the date on which the activity and auditing procedures, Business 30 PART A NATIONAL PRIORITIES (including Critical Control Points) Activity Matrix/National Priorities Activity, content and relevant outcome(s) Priority Activity Additional Activities considered to be good practice (AMES) took place) process instructions and FAQs Internal data auditing procedure in place Use of AMES for management information Internal procedures in place to ensure Local authority to ensure all inspectors are familiar with and report generation quality of data entered AMES ‘instructions for inspectors who complete data entry forms’ and encourage use of AMES produced Recording of data on infringements Electronic data transfer system inspection form templates operational (thus reducing staff resource Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 time) A7. Contingency planning and emergency action A7.1 Planning and contributing to emergency Local authority plans (individual local Plans formally approved by the local authority APHA/Defra/W preparedness plans with Animal authority or with neighbouring local elsh Health/Defra/Welsh Assembly Government authorities) drawn up consistent with Build on the generic plan and developed specific plans Government and other agencies as appropriate Defra, Welsh Government, APHA generic for diseases identified as high risk for the local authority and local plans for disease outbreaks. Ensure local area as a result of local intelligence. authority Outcomes 1, 3, 5 and 6 authority contact details on the AH&W emergency master contact list held by the NAHWP Plans reviewed annually and shared with identified preparedness are kept up to date partners Review plans and update annually Annual exercise plan with relevant partners/neighbouring authorities and uses lessons learned reports to review their plans 31 PART A NATIONAL PRIORITIES (including Critical Control Points) Activity Matrix/National Priorities Activity, content and relevant outcome(s) Priority Activity Additional Activities considered to be good practice Respond to notification of disease Plans made publicly available outbreaks A7.2 Testing Testing, training, practising and evaluating Contribution through others or on paper to Plans tested and reports made and Training activities in relation to the emergency plan planned exercises Full, regular practical participation in tests, training and Outcomes 1, 3, 5 and 6 Internal and external contact details exercises reviewed annually Individual local authority implementation training plan. A7.3 Provision of full emergency range of Full requirements of plan actioned as N/A Emergency services under the emergency plan, when necessary Action disease emergency declared by Defra/Welsh Government Outcomes 1, 3, 5 and 6 32 PART A NATIONAL PRIORITIES (including Critical Control Points) Activity Matrix/National Priorities Activity, content and relevant outcome(s) Priority Activity Additional Activities considered to be good practice A8. Additional Activities to reflect National Priorities A8.1 National Provide details in Service Delivery Plan As discussed with Operations Directors Priorities (Annex C) of identified priorities as and Defra or the Welsh Government discussed with the Operations Directors, Defra and the Welsh Government, as appropriate Outcomes 1,2,5 and 6 33 Section Six – The Activity Matrix for APHA

6.1 APHA is the Government's Executive Agency primarily responsible for ensuring that farmed animals in Great Britain are healthy, disease-free and well looked after.

6.2 One of the key roles of APHA is to implement government policies aimed at preventing or managing outbreaks of serious animal diseases, and in doing so support the farming industry, protect the welfare of farmed animals and safeguard public health from animal borne disease.

6.3 APHA recognises the importance of working with all partner agencies in preventing where possible and mitigating where necessary, the impacts of notifiable animal disease, and taking forward the Animal Health and Welfare Strategy for Great Britain.

6.4 The matrix reflects the range of activities likely to be carried out by APHA in supporting the Framework. 34 APHA Activity Matrix (England and Wales) Content and relevant outcomes Priority Activity 1. Planning the delivery of the local authority animal health and welfare function

1.1 The Regulatory Hub within APHA Provide a Regulatory Hub mailbox service for enquiries regarding Framework issues and has responsibility for managing the respond promptly agency’s relationship with local authorities The Regulatory Hub takes a lead role in supporting Operations Directors (or nominated key personnel) on all Framework related issues Outcomes: 3 and 5

1.2 Provide a named local contact in Key contact identified and local authority notified of contact details and arrangements addition to the Operations Directors or (including any changes to nominated personnel) routine communication on local authority matters Outcomes: 3 and 5

1.3 Local Authority Service Delivery Liaise with local authorities regarding service delivery and where necessary comment and Plan and Profile provide veterinary input on service delivery plans Outcomes: 3, 4 and 5 35

1.4 Risk Assessment Provide the veterinary assessment, where necessary, to support premise risk assessment in accordance with the local authority national risk scheme detailed in Section 4 Outcomes: 1, 2, 5 and 6 2. Training and development

2.1 Train Operations Directors and Provide appropriate Framework/AMES training to enable Operations Directors and nominated local representatives nominated representatives to provide support for local authorities on Framework issues Outcomes: 5

2.2 Provide veterinary and/or technical Provide programme of enforcement training for veterinary and technical field staff including staff support to the local authority procedures to support staff when called upon to act as expert witnesses in prosecutions Outcomes: 3 and 5 3. Licensing Activities

3.1 Licensing of animal movements To act on referrals to revoke the general licence Outcomes: 1 and 4 Assist local authorities in investigating specific (AMLS2) licence application refusals 4. Education and advice to maximise compliance

4.1 Support Regional Animal Health Provide access to information in accordance with the requirements of the relevant and Welfare Panels providing legislation 36 information and guidance to assist local Use of the APHA website to publicise services and provide information authorities in addressing areas of concern in the region Outcomes: 1, 2, 5 and 6

4.2 Hold liaison meetings with suitable Such liaison meetings to facilitate discussion on local, regional and national issues and take representatives of local authorities and any necessary action on a local/regional level where appropriate, other interested parties Outcomes: 3, 4, 5 and 6 5. Enforcement Activities to maximise animal health and welfare compliance

5.1 Provide veterinary and/or technical Respond immediately to reports of suspected notifiable disease which pose an immediate staff support to the local authority, or threat to human or animal health arrange suitable alternative support (for example, staff from another (AHO) or Reports of adverse welfare of livestock will be assessed on receipt. All reports will be the services of an OV) investigated, with field visits undertaken within 24 hours where there are suspicions of animals being caused unnecessary suffering Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 In cases where unnecessary pain or distress is disclosed, the average time for appropriate action by the agency is no more than 21 days Approval/licensing procedures - liaise with local authority regarding applications and proposed visits e.g. ABP and AGO applications APHA is responsible for the evaluation of BIP facilities, documentation and procedures in 37 Great Britain. 6. Reactive and intelligence driven enforcement

6.1 Provide up to date information on Provide and receive information in accordance with the animal health & welfare data sharing registered livestock keepers in the local statement between the former LGR, Defra and its named executive agencies and the authority area Scottish Government issued in August 2010 Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 See Local Government Regulation and Defra websites

6.2 Provide an overview of the national Provide information/updates on current national issues affecting animal health and welfare performance picture Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 7. Post enforcement reporting and AMES data entry activities

7.1 Use AMES regularly to be informed Operations Directors to extract activity reports (at least quarterly) for each local authority to of local authority work, and to help In help review enforcement activities within their region. Extract relevant AMES reports to any discussions regarding service support any discussions regarding local authority’s service delivery plans. delivery plan and profile The APHA WIT (Welfare in Transit) team accesses AMES for information to assist with its Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 action monitoring function relating to transporter authorisations and vehicle/container approval

7.2 Provide feedback on performance Performance issues arising from the AMES reports discussed with the local authority Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 38

7.3 Provide day to day management of Provide training and support for AMES supervisors and users of the database the AMES national database Provide an AMES mailbox service for enquiries and respond promptly Outcomes: 3, 4 and 5 Provide support for the AMLS2/AMES User Group to maintain and further develop the system To explore options for data input by other agencies, including APHA 8. Contingency planning and emergency action

8.1 Responding to emergencies Provide a 24 hour reporting service for animal health and welfare emergencies by operating a duty Veterinary Officer system Outcomes: 1, 3, 5 and 6 Nightline numbers are published on the website at: www.defra.gov.uk/APHA/about- us/contact-us/index.htm Ensure a fully joined up response to outbreaks of disease and aim to build closer links with delivery partners to ensure they are appropriately engaged during incidentsEa.gov.uk -u www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth/about-us/contact-us/ contact-us/index.htm

8.2 Participation in training exercises Work closely with policy customers and operational partners; design and deliver a for emergency preparedness (or an challenging programme of exotic animal disease exercises locally, regionally and nationally alternative option, where the number of local authority participants is unwieldy) Outcomes: 1, 3, 5 and 6 9. Additional Activities 39

9.1 National Priorities Communicate policy and priority updates to Operations Directors (following discussion and agreement with Defra/ Welsh Government colleagues on national issues) Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6

9.2 Regional Priorities Agree regional priorities, including input from the Operations Directors to regional initiatives or projects, with local authorities at regional meetings in advance of annual service delivery Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 planning

9.3 Local Priorities Agree local priorities with local authorities based on local knowledge and intelligence in advance of service delivery planning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 40 Annex A Definitions and glossary for the purposes of this document AHA Animal Health Act 1981 AHO Animal Health Office (of the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency) AMES Animal Health and Welfare Management and Enforcement System AMLS2 Animal Movements Licensing System Animal Gathering Defined in the Animal Gatherings (England) Order 2010 and the Animal Gatherings (Wales) Order 2010 as: "animal gathering" means an occasion at which animals are brought together for one or more of the following purposes - (a) a sale, show or exhibition; (b) onward consignment within Great Britain; (c) inspection to confirm the animals possess specific breed characteristics APHA APHA is the Government‘s executive agency primarily responsible for ensuring that farmed animals in GB are healthy, disease free and well looked after, and safeguarding public health from animal borne disease BIS Department for Business Innovation and Skills CCP Critical Control Point. A business, premises, or location at which controls can be applied resulting in the reduction in risk of the introduction or spreading of notifiable disease in England and Wales Dealer (livestock) The Brucellosis (England) Order 2000 and the Brucellosis (Wales) Order 2006 defines: Dealer in bovine animals - any person whose trade or business regularly includes the selling of bovine animals purchased by that person for the purpose of resale within 28 days. Dealer in livestock - For the purposes of the Framework, means any person whose trade or business regularly includes the selling of livestock purchased by that person for the purpose of resale within 28 days Defra Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs FSA Food Standards Agency Inspection Inspection can include the following interventions: 41 physical visit, postal record checks, business self assessment (incl. questionnaires), other alternative intervention methods LGR Local Government Regulation (previously LACoRS) N.B. LG Regulation ceased to exist as a separate entity within the Local Government Association on 1st April 2011 Large Markets Includes multiple species markets and markets with single species with large numbers of cattle (200+) or sheep (1500+) Livestock For the purposes of this document livestock includes cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and poultry and any other farmed species kept for the purposes of or involved in the production of food for the human food chain (e.g. rabbits, farmed fish) Local Authority Defined by the Local Government Act 2000 as: (a) in relation to England— As defined in Animal Health Act: (i) a county council; (ii) a district council; (iii) a unitary authority; (iv) a London borough council; (v) a metropolitan borough; (vi) the Common Council of the City of London in its capacity as a local authority; (vii) the Council of the Isles of Scilly; (b) in relation to Wales, a county council or a county borough council Market Defined in the Welfare of Animals at Markets Order as: "market" means a market place or sale-yard or any other premises or place to which animals are brought from other places and exposed for sale and includes any lairage adjoining a market and used in connection with it and any place adjoining a market used as a parking area by visitors to the market for parking vehicles Markets Also includes horse and poultry markets NAHWP Local Authorities‘ National Animal Health and Welfare Panel OFFC Regulation (EC) 882/2004 on Official Feed and Food Controls Operating Hours (Markets and Animal Times when the animal gathering would Gatherings) normally be receiving and handling animals OV Official Veterinarian Premises Includes any land, building or other place (Animal Health Act 1981) Quality Assurance Procedures Includes regular auditing, by line managers, of 42 inspections and revisits (including auditing against the local authority‘s own guidance) Slaughterhouse / Abattoir Also includes horse and poultry slaughterhouses/ abattoirs and includes slaughterhouse/abattoirs used for compulsory and welfare disposal schemes where the animals are not entering the human food chain Red meat slaughterhouse EU livestock Unit (ELU) = 1 cattle beast = 5 throughput pigs = 10 sheep. Low throughput = less than 1000 ELU average annual throughput. Medium throughput = more than 1000 ELU and less than 30,000 ELU average annual throughput. High throughput = more than 30,000 ELU average annual throughput White meat slaughterhouse throughput Low throughput = less than 10,000 ELU average annual throughput Medium/High throughput = more than 10,000 ELU average annual throughput Service Delivery Plan (SDP) A document completed annually by a local authority detailing the level of delivery of service relating to the various functions, activities and content of work areas covered in the Framework as laid out in Annex C WIT Team Welfare in Transport team at APHA‘s Specialist Service Centre in Carlisle, dealing with statutory returns and other matters under the relevant legislation 43 Annex B Local authority profile template and guidance for completion 1. The purpose of completing a profile annually is: • to provide a simple overview of the pattern of work expected during the year based on the number and types of premises in the authority‘s area; and • to highlight changes from previous years. 2. The profile can be used to support the local authority‘s service delivery plan. Specific guidance on completing the Profile Question 1: Staffing The total number of animal health delivery staff (FTE), broken down into data input staff and field staff. Question 2: Data input Provide additional information if you feel more explanation is necessary. Question 3 (a): Critical Control Points (CCPs) with defined work patterns For areas with only a small number of premises in these categories, it may be enough to simply complete the profile template. For those with multiple premises or complicated operating patterns, it is recommended that you provide additional information about the operating pattern of your markets, collection centres and assembly centres. If this is the case, please show the total number of operating days per year on the profile template. It is appreciated that you may not be aware of one-off events at the time you prepare your profile. However, you may have some awareness of local intentions. Question 3 (b): CCPs without defined work patterns Ports include seaports, marinas (sea) and airports (national and international). It is appreciated that this information may change throughout the year but the profile should be based on the date upon which it is completed. 44 Question 4: Risk assessed premises Risk assessment should be based on the scheme provided in Section 4 of the Framework. The number of high risk premises shown here should include all CCPs (Livestock Markets, Sales, Collection Centres and Assembly Centres, Slaughterhouses, Dealers, Ports and High Risk Farms) in the local authority area. 45 Local Authority Profile Name of LA Financial Year 1. Staffing (FTE) Field Staff Data input staff TOTAL 2. Data Input Local Authority Database used: Interface with AMES installed Y/N Interface with AMES functional Y/N If not installed, are there plans to do so? (date): If not, please give reason 3. Work Load – Critical Control Points (CCPs) A. With defined work patterns Type of CCP No. Operating pattern (markets) or throughput (slaughterhouses) Markets, Collection Centres & Assembly Centres Slaughterhouses Shows, sales and one-off events B. Without defined work patterns Type of CCP No. Ports Dealers 4. Total risk assessed premises including CCPs According to risk assessment by local authority High Risk Medium Risk Low Risk Number of premises (including 3(a) and (b) above) 46 Annex C Service Delivery Plan and guidance for completion The purpose of completing a Service Delivery Plan annually is: • to provide a structured plan of the work for the local authority area during the financial year; and • to highlight changes from previous years. The template when completed and where necessary approved by the authority, can be used by the authority to monitor its performance in delivering the animal health and welfare function. It can also be used to support discussion with the Operations Directors on local service delivery. Specific guidance on completing the Service Delivery Plan You should record the priority activities which you propose meeting during the year, as described in columns 3 and 4 of the Activity Framework (Section 5) and complete each box in the column headed ― Local Authority Planned Service Delivery as follows: a) Specify the priority activities that are planned to be achieved b) Numbers and target percentage where applicable If no activity is relevant in an area (for example, in Section A 4.2, if you do not have a slaughterhouse in your area) please insert ‘not applicable‘. It is appreciated that the information supplied may need to be reviewed and updated during the year, as circumstances change. It is suggested that the Service Delivery Plan is discussed with your Operations Directors so that an understanding is reached regarding what can be realistically achieved, what local factors need to be taken into account and, above all, how the Plan helps to manage the risk of animal disease incursion, control spread and maintain and improve standards of animal welfare. 47 Local Authority: (insert name) ……………………………………. Service Delivery Plan for year: 01/04/20-- to 31/03/20-- PART A NATIONAL PRIORITIES (including Critical Control Points) Content and relevant outcome(s) Local Authority Planned Level of Service Delivery A1. Planning the Delivery of the Local Authority Animal Health Function A1.1 Risk Premises risk assessed in accordance with national risk a) Assessment scheme detailed in Section 4 Risk based inspection programme Outcomes 1, 2, 5 and 6 b) 48 PART A NATIONAL PRIORITIES (including Critical Control Points) Content and relevant outcome(s) Local Authority Planned Level of Service Delivery A2. Training and Development A2.1 Training Officers are authorised to enforce all relevant legislation. a) for new officers All enforcement staff to hold recognised qualification or have equivalent professional experience i.e. ‘Grandfather rights’ or undertake to achieve such qualifications as soon as On-going possible professional development It is recognised that in emergency situations i.e. outbreaks of disease, there may be a need to call upon non animal health qualified officers to assist in carrying out animal health and welfare duties. b) Time and resources allocated to keep up to date on appropriate Animal Health and Welfare legislation, codes of practice, guidance etc – e.g. by accessing the LGA Knowledge Hub Outcome 5 49 PART A NATIONAL PRIORITIES (including Critical Control Points) Content and relevant outcome(s) Local Authority Planned Level of Service Delivery A3. Licensing Activities A3.1 Recording Wales only: All movement documents received to be date a) of Animal stamped or otherwise identified as to date received (the 3 Movements – day timescale commences on the day following receipt of Wales only the movement document by the authority). Sheep, Goats, Wales only: Data entry on to the Defra AMLS2 database of Deer and Pig all sheep, pig and deer movement documents received movement data capture and England and Wales: Action to be taken where errors are recording of detected that require follow up resolutionOutcomes 1 and 4 exemptions – b) Wales onlyFollow-up action where errors are identified that require resolution – England and Wales 50 PART A NATIONAL PRIORITIES (including Critical Control Points) Content and relevant outcome(s) Local Authority Planned Level of Service Delivery A3.2 Issuing of Specific licences (on AMLS2) issued for those individuals a) specific animal prohibited by the Minister from operating under the general movement licence licences on AMLS2 Receipt of licence applications Assessment and issue of specific licences Issue of animal movement licences manually where approval given b) Outcomes 1 and 4 51 PART A NATIONAL PRIORITIES (including Critical Control Points) Content and relevant outcome(s) Local Authority Planned Level of Service Delivery A3.3 Initial investigation of (AMLS2) licence application refusals; a) Investigation of resolve if possible, otherwise co-operation with AHO to specific achieve resolution (AMLS2) movement Outcomes 1 and 4 licence refusals b) 52 PART A NATIONAL PRIORITIES (including Critical Control Points) Content and relevant outcome(s) Local Authority Planned Level of Service Delivery A4. Enforcement activities to maximise Animal Health and Welfare compliance (CCPs) A4.1 Highly visible preventative enforcement presence. a) Attendance at Critical Control Attendance at markets and other premises licensed for Points - sales, and Collection Centres and Assembly Centres to Livestock ensure compliance, in particular with: markets, Sales, • Biosecurity (vehicles, premises and people) Collection • Livestock identification Centres and • Central Point Recording Centre approval conditions Assembly and contingency Centres • Welfare b) • Transport • Licensing and record keeping • Specific pre movement licensing • All other relevant legislation Exact attendance levels and times According to status of gathering Outcomes 1, 2, 5 and 6 53 PART A NATIONAL PRIORITIES (including Critical Control Points) Content and relevant outcome(s) Local Authority Planned Level of Service Delivery A4.2 Attendance at slaughter houses (high and low through put, a) Attendance at red meat and poultry(white meat) in liaison with FSA to Critical Control ensure legislative compliance, in particular with: Points - • Biosecurity (vehicles, premises and people) slaughter • Livestock identification houses • Central Point Recording Centre approval conditions and contingency All these • Welfare activities with • Transport regard to the • Licensing and record keeping transport • Specific pre movement licensing b) unloading and • All other relevant legislation identification of livestock should Outcomes 1, 2, 5 and 6 normally occur outside of the slaughterhouse production area. This service delivery function does not require local authority officers to enter the slaughterhouse production area, 54 PART A NATIONAL PRIORITIES (including Critical Control Points) Content and relevant outcome(s) Local Authority Planned Level of Service Delivery or undertake enforcement in relation to the slaughterhouse operation itself. The FSA is responsible for enforcement in the slaughterhouse itself, and local authorities should liaise with FSA with regard to any need to enter the slaughterhouse production area. A4.3 Identification of Dealers a) Attendance at Critical Control Points - Dealers Visits/inspections to verify legislative compliance 55 PART A NATIONAL PRIORITIES (including Critical Control Points) Content and relevant outcome(s) Local Authority Planned Level of Service Delivery Outcomes 1, 2, 5 and 6 b) A4.4 Attendance at Ports to ensure legislative compliance, in a) Attendance at particular with: Critical Control • Biosecurity (vehicles, premises and people) Points - Ports • Livestock identification (excluding BIPs) • Welfare • Transport • Import/export documentation • All other relevant legislation Outcomes 1, 2, 5 and 6 56 PART A NATIONAL PRIORITIES (including Critical Control Points) Content and relevant outcome(s) Local Authority Planned Level of Service Delivery b) A4.5 Visits/inspections to verify legislative compliance a) Attendance at Critical Control Outcomes 1, 2, 5 and 6 Points - High risk Farms (Other than dealers) 57 PART A NATIONAL PRIORITIES (including Critical Control Points) Content and relevant outcome(s) Local Authority Planned Level of Service Delivery b) A4.6 Stand by Emergency interagency contact regarding disease and other a) and on call enforcement incidents arrangements Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 b) 58 PART A NATIONAL PRIORITIES (including Critical Control Points) Content and relevant outcome(s) Local Authority Planned Level of Service Delivery A5. Partnership working and intelligence driven enforcement A5.1 Identified Identified breaches of legislation, including biosecurity, a) Infringements licensing, welfare, livestock identification, standstill breaches, illegal imports, by products, and other disease control work. Irregularities found on documentary checks followed up Outcomes 1, 2, 5 and 6 b) 59 PART A NATIONAL PRIORITIES (including Critical Control Points) Content and relevant outcome(s) Local Authority Planned Level of Service Delivery A5.2 Provision and collection of Intelligence Information a) Intelligence / Information and Outcomes 1, 2, 5 and 6 systems b) 60 PART A NATIONAL PRIORITIES (including Critical Control Points) Content and relevant outcome(s) Local Authority Planned Level of Service Delivery A5.3 Infringements or suspected infringements reported from a) Intelligence led external enforcement sources or identified by use of data actions interrogation or intelligence sources; members of the public/complaints Outcomes 1, 2, 5 and 6 b) 61 PART A NATIONAL PRIORITIES (including Critical Control Points) Content and relevant outcome(s) Local Authority Planned Level of Service Delivery A6. Post enforcement reporting and AMES data entry activities A6.1 Animal Entry of data on to AMES system (or via electronic data a) Health and transfer from local systems to AMES) recording local Welfare authority enforcement activities, results and actions (the Management relevant timescale commences on the day following the date and on which the activity took place). Enforcement System (AMES) Use of AMES for management information and report generation Recording of data on infringements Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 b) 62 PART A NATIONAL PRIORITIES (including Critical Control Points) Content and relevant outcome(s) Local Authority Planned Level of Service Delivery A6.2 Collation of management information data for internal use a) Management and provision to APHA, Defra and Welsh Government. information Outcomes 3, 4 and 5 b) 63 PART A NATIONAL PRIORITIES (including Critical Control Points) Content and relevant outcome(s) Local Authority Planned Level of Service Delivery A7. Contingency planning and emergency action A7.1 Animal Planning and contributing to emergency preparedness plans a) Health/Defra/W with APHA/Defra/Welsh Government and other agencies as elsh Assembly appropriate Government and local Outcomes 1, 3, 5 and 6 authority emergency preparedness b) 64 PART A NATIONAL PRIORITIES (including Critical Control Points) Content and relevant outcome(s) Local Authority Planned Level of Service Delivery A7.2 Testing Testing, training, practising and evaluating activities in a) and Training relation to the emergency plan Outcomes 1, 3, 5 and 6 b) 65 PART A NATIONAL PRIORITIES (including Critical Control Points) Content and relevant outcome(s) Local Authority Planned Level of Service Delivery A7.3 Provision of full emergency range of services under the a) Emergency emergency plan, when disease emergency declared by Action Defra/Welsh Government Outcomes 1, 3, 5 and 6 b) 66 PART A NATIONAL PRIORITIES (including Critical Control Points) Content and relevant outcome(s) Local Authority Planned Level of Service Delivery A8. Additional Activities to reflect National Priorities A8.1 National Provide details in Service Delivery Plan (Annex C) of a) Priorities identified priorities as discussed with the, Operations Directors Defra and the Welsh Government, as appropriate. Outcomes 1,2,5 and 6 b) 67 Annex D Activity matrix for animal welfare (optional) 1. It is intended the following activity matrix below may be used for farm animal welfare complaints received by local authorities who deal with this type of complaint. It provides a basic framework in relation to the Animal Welfare Act 2006. It is anticipated that the sections relating to training and development, reactive and intelligence-driven enforcement, post-enforcement reporting and AMES data entry activities in the main Framework would also be applicable to this section. 2. It is important that local authorities that decide not to authorise inspectors under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 recognise that they still have powers under the Act to prosecute offences under the Act. It is also recommended that local authorities that decide not to deal with welfare offences under this Act have a contingency plan in place to deal with any complaints that they may receive (e.g. contact details for local AHO or RSPCA; or specific arrangements with a neighbouring local authority who is willing to do the work). 3. This framework fulfils the requirements of Outcome 2 (See page 8). 68 Activity Priority Activity Other Priority Actions for consideration 1. On Farm Welfare 1(a) Authorisation of Inspectors authorised by local N/A inspectors under the authorities under the Animal Health Animal Welfare Act Act 1981 (as amended) should be 2006 authorised as Inspectors under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 1(b) Response to Liaison with local AHO (as soon as Where appropriate, arrange joint visit with AHO VO (Veterinary farm welfare possible to discuss complaint Officer) to investigate within 24hrs of receipt of complaint complaints received from a member of Refer to AMES Database see if Where it is considered that a VO is not required in the first instance, the public or another there is any recorded history of visit premises to investigate within 24hrs of receipt of complaint agency problems on the premises Liaison with other appropriate agencies in order to try and establish Where appropriate, arrange joint if complainant is subject of any other complaints / investigations visit with a VO to investigate on next working day after receipt of Where appropriate organise a Case Conference with all complaint enforcement bodies involved to discuss the case and how best to proceed in order that all agencies are moving forward in the same Where it is considered that a VO is direction not required in the first instance, visit premises to investigate on next working day after receipt of complaint 69 Activity Priority Activity Other Priority Actions for consideration 1(c) Enforcement Where an animal’s welfare is being Where an Improvement Notice is appropriate, service of Notice action seriously compromised immediate within 24hrs of visit taking place enforcement action should be taken The Inspector should take such action as is necessary to alleviate suffering to any animal(s) without undue delay Where an Improvement Notice is appropriate, service of Notice within 48hrs of visit taking place Cognisance should be taken of the guidance issued by Defra and Welsh Government in accordance with Section 10 of the Act The agreed template for the Improvement Notice should be used 1(d) Follow up visits If necessary and in consultation with N/A to premises against Veterinary Officer revisit the whom a welfare premises within an appropriate Revisit within 1 days of end of Compliance Period specified in the complaint was period of initial visit Notice or sooner dependent upon severity of complaint 70 Activity Priority Activity Other Priority Actions for consideration received 1(e) Follow up visits Where appropriate monitoring visits to premises where should be carried out during the an Improvement compliance period and these should Notice was served be appropriate to the severity of the complaint Revisit within 2 working days of end of Compliance Period specified in the Notice or sooner dependent upon severity of complaint 71 Activity Priority Activity Other Priority Actions for consideration 1(f) Arrangements Contingency plans drawn up as to Contract arrangements with suppliers / contractors / premises for: for taking how taking possession of an animal / • appropriately trained staff to handle and care for the animals possession of an animals will be facilitated and for • appropriate equipment to handle the animals animal / animals their subsequent care until they are • transporting the animals which are being disposed of or returned • suitable premises to keep animals caused suffering or • supply of feed likely to be if their These contingency plans should • supply of suitable bedding material circumstances do identify suppliers / contractors / • provision of Veterinary care not change premises for: • appropriately trained / experienced staff to handle and care for the animals • appropriate equipment to handle the animals • transporting the animals • suitable premises to keep animals. • supply of feed • supply of suitable bedding material • provision of veterinary care 1(g) Destruction of Contingency arrangements in place Contact list of Veterinary Surgeons (including out of hours services) an animal / animals to facilitate the destruction of an whom could be used for this purpose if necessary if deemed necessary animal / animals if deemed necessary by Veterinary Surgeon or Contact List of other suitably trained persons whom could be used an Inspector / Constable to humanely destroy animals where necessary 72 Activity Priority Activity Other Priority Actions for consideration Authorised Inspector(s) trained and provided with suitable equipment to humanely destroy animals where necessary 1(h) Follow up letters Follow up letter detailing the visit, Follow up letter detailing the visit, what was discussed and the to premises which what was discussed and the provisions of any Improvement Notice, if served, sent within 3 were visited provisions of any Improvement working days of visit Notice, if served, sent within 5 working days of visit 73