Originally from: coleen
                        
Hi Richard

Clarrification was asked for by the person who first drew this to our attention – this is what he/they have sent back. It would seem that they were involved (not sure what level) regarding consultation of this document (see reply below)
.
"http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/welfare/farmed/on-farm.htm
 gives the guidance notes.
The Draft animal welfare bill which we have consulted on does not mention the approved prosecutor Status but reading page 33 of the Draft shows that there will be an appointment of Inspectors by local Authority but shall have guidance issued by the Secretary of State ( who issued the Approved prosecutor Status.
It does not take much working out that the appointment of Inspectors will be taken up by the RSPCA giving them total control of most if not all aspects of the New Animal Welfare Bill.
This is the serious concern amongst many Pet and companion animal keepers."

Hope this helps
 Andy Meads

Yes please do cross post this message – and many of us on this board do have companion animals etc etc as well as livestock. After seeing the horrors of fmd we would be foolish to think 'this could never happen to our animals'! Plus we are all already aware that that legislation is in place for DEFRA to seize any animal without our consent if a disease should break-out and threaten other animal life, or human life.

Thanks
Coleen