The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: Laurasfarm on April 28, 2014, 05:03:18 pm
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Hi all
I'm hoping for some advice, experiences etc
We keep 3 OSB sows, we don't live with our pigs but we do have a caravan on site. I'm currently arguing with planner that we need to stay on site at farrowing time. So they agree that we need washing/tea making/shelter but not any overnight provision (We don't live there and don't intend to). It's common sense to me that in the best interests of the pigs I need to be there around the clock sometimes but I'm having trouble persuading them of the needs.
Hopefully our vet will be providing some supporting evidence. But what I'm asking for help for you lovely pig people is
Welfare literature that supports this (I can't find anything specific on defra)
Expert testimony, I know a lot of you have very successful enterprises rearing pigs to the highest welfare standards. If anyone would mind writing to me with why on-site care is essential, with your credentials ie your business/book/courses and you don't mind me giving this to the planners.
Any other sources of evidence you can point me in the direction of
We are just trying to run a small business and hopefully can when we get past the bureaucracy. As a idea of the level we are dealing with a councillor stated all we need is a land rover and a flask!
All help greatly appreciated.
Laura
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the main bit of welfare is the
Welfare of Farmed Animals Regulations 2007.
You don't say which part of the country you are in, but this link will get you to all four versions
England http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2007/2078/contents/made (http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2007/2078/contents/made)
Wales http://www.legislation.gov.uk/wsi/2007/3070/contents/made (http://www.legislation.gov.uk/wsi/2007/3070/contents/made)
Scotland http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2010/388/contents/made (http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2010/388/contents/made)
NI http://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2012/156/contents/made (http://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2012/156/contents/made)
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I have a 12x12 metal shed with a ply floor sofa and log burner in it.....a caravan without wheels? Lol
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Would they really know if you actually stayed there overnight? Most councils only function 8.30 - 4pm mon - fri and after that forget it!
Don't know why you've asked them anyway, all you've done is put yourselves on their radar!
As its only going to be now and then IMO i'd forget about getting their permission and Nike (just do it!)
Mandy :pig:
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Agree with Mandy, you have made the situation worse by asking them they will be watching your every move now. As they say ignorance is bliss. :innocent:
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We had a similar situation with our horses as we lost a foal at birth due to us not being there round the clock. But we were told afterwards that we'd have no problem with planning etc due to us needing to be there for livestock and horses. I suppose it depends on how picky your council is, but I'd have thought it was a must. With us it's the neighbouring farmer who is a **** over it.
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pigs do farrow all round the clock - but they can be injected to farrow during the working day as this is what big pig farms so staff are there to assist. the breeder we got our pigs from also stated she never got up at night to help with outdoor farrowing - as a rule.
how can they stop you visiting at 11pm or 5am?
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isn't there something about a 28 day rule? you can stay 28 days a year with out any planning? that would cover farrowing!
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Thanks for the replies
We didnt put ourseves on the radar. We have one extreme nimby neighbour so our every move is watched (through the hedge mostly) he's made a complaint about everything since we moved there. The 28day rule only applies to camping not to caravans.
I didn't think the council would notice how many nights we stay there but unless we can prove we need the caravan for the running of the farm it won't be there at all.
Were not a large commercial unit and dont wish to run that way. I wouldn't induce my pigs unless medically necessary and the loss of sow or piglets due to lack of supervision would be financially and personnally devestating
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We didnt put ourseves on the radar. We have one extreme nimby neighbour so our every move is watched (through the hedge mostly) he's made a complaint about everything since we moved there
we have one of those. horrible things :innocent:
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Why not ask nosy neighbour if he minds keeping an eye on the pigs for you as you're not allowed to be there all the time and see how he reacts, just a nice chat and maybe a dozen eggs to sweeten him.
Lots of people like him are scared of what they don't know and and to people like him caravans mean gyspsies, give him some reassurance and see if you can get some mutual communication going.
It may even help you in the long run from a security point of view if he's a curtain twitcher.
Mandy :pig:
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My understanding of the 28 day rule is that it includes up to 5 units, including caravans (not statics).... But you would have to maybe move it off after to show willing. It is also ok to store a mobile caravan on your land I thought? We put a cover on ours when storing, just to differentiate.... Love the idea of asking the neighbour to roll his sleeves up ( in nicest way) :roflanim: