Originally from: Farmtalking
                        
I think there are one or two points I should clarify for those who have been following the 'Bobby Waugh' postings on this board.

1. The Government and Press/Media have repeatedly alleged that the FMD epidemic originated from imported meat fed to pigs on a farm at Heddon on the Wall. There are many of us who doubt that is the case and have several good reasons for doing so. However, as Bobby Waugh was not charged with starting the epidemic it is surely proof the the Government no longer consider it likely either. Nevertheless we are still seeking concrete evidence and proof of exactly where, when and how the virus entered the livestock in the UK and perhaps our Government is seeking the same!

2. For months many of us have followed the Bobby Waugh case and are well aware of the charges laid against him and the verdict and sentence handed down. I know of no one who disagrees with any of them and many who firmly believe as I do, that the welfare of animals is of paramount importance and any deliberate cruelty or neglect should be punished.

3. As far as I am aware, and I do read all the messages sent to this board, no one has attempted to 'deify' Bobby Waugh. Bruce Jobson was kind enough to attend Court during the tial and send reports to Farmtalking. He also alerted Farmtalking to the strange events surrounding Bobby Waugh during last week.

4. Under the terms of his sentence Bobby Waugh is free to go where he chooses at any time other than those hours curtailed by his curfew. Therefore his attendance at the Darlington Mart last week was a choice he made within the law. As Bruce Jobson has explained the Mart is not an auction so no one, including Bobby Waugh, could purchase animals on behalf of anyone else.