Fax: 028 9263 3003
Operations Centre
Lissue House
31 Ballinderry Road
LISBURN
Northern Ireland
BT28 2SL
Market Lairage And Sale
The lairage and sale of any animal must have due regard for food safety, animal welfare and traceability.
When mixing livestock in pens at the market:-
- animals of different species, size and temperament should not be mixed together
- animals that are horned and unhorned should not be mixed unless they have been reared together
- fractious livestock should be penned separately to avoid injury to themselves or others
- adult bulls should be penned separately except if they are reared together
Handling of livestock at the market
Electric goads must not be used except where guidance allows and sticks must only be used as an extension of the arm to gude, persuade and encourage livestock.
All animals should be handled appropriately e.g. sheep should not be dragged by the fleece, horns or legs.
Sale of livestock
The auctioneer should announce at the time of sale all information that is relevant to the animal. All animals should have completed the specific withdrawal period unless a statement is issued to the contrary.
Market staff should have a method of verifying the assurance status of livestock, such as an on-line scheme checker, APHIS or telephone call with relevant assurance scheme.
Suitable pens should be available if animals are required to be lairaged at the market overnight e.g. feed, water and bedding.