The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: trying on February 14, 2012, 03:01:51 pm

Title: CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCE
Post by: trying on February 14, 2012, 03:01:51 pm

Hi, I'm getting a little confused on the movement of sheep, can anyone help.
Sheep to be moved by new owner, 90 miles.about a 2 1/2 to 3 hour journey,
Movement Licence (as normal)
WATO autherization?
Certificate of competence?

Title: Re: CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCE
Post by: Small Farmer on February 14, 2012, 03:45:14 pm

If new owner is buying them as any part of a commercial enterprise then he/she needs to pass a wee potty test in animal handling, trailer cleaning and general job creation for each animal IF they are to be transported over 45mi or is it km. 

We brought our first breeding stock about 90 miles without bothering on the grounds that they were pet sheep.  If they're for hobby use, showing or other private use then they can be taken to the North Pole and back as incompetently as you like. 

I think the following link is a good starting point.  Be warned you can lose the will to live reading this stuff.

http://www.defra.gov.uk/food-farm/animals/welfare/transport/ (http://www.defra.gov.uk/food-farm/animals/welfare/transport/)

Title: Re: CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCE
Post by: trying on February 14, 2012, 04:19:10 pm

Hi, thank you FS, I feel so much better, we are just hobby breeders and I was getting confused as to just what we needed. We moved our goats over 150 miles and just sent off the movement licence.
Thanks again

Title: Re: CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCE
Post by: Small Farmer on February 14, 2012, 08:40:03 pm

Just remember that there is a skill to moving animals safely and happily and it's worth learning.  You should think about taking the test or at the very least being completely aware of the stuff it covers.

Title: Re: CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCE
Post by: trying on February 14, 2012, 08:49:29 pm

Hi, A very good point SM, I have always felt that if you have empathy with your animals you will know what is right or wrong, but I take your point and you really do need to understand what is right, guidelines are good but I sometimes feel do not go into enough detail.

Title: Re: CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCE
Post by: jaykay on February 14, 2012, 09:07:59 pm

Empathy goes a long way, but there's being able to tow a trailer, especially if a single axle, without addling the poor things too.

Title: Re: CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCE
Post by: trying on February 14, 2012, 09:17:53 pm

Hi, quite right,. which is why I said in my original post that the journy of 90 miles would take brtween 2 1/2 to 3 hours, probably longer knowing my husband!