Livery Yard Licensing - Veterinary Inspectors Needed

With Livery Yard licensing likely to be introduced next summer under the new Animal Welfare Act the veterinary profession will have a key role to play. While the final details of the legislation have yet to be formulated it is highly likely that the proposals will mean that all Livery Yards including studs, competition yards, point-to-point yards and grass livery will need to apply for a Local Authority licence of approval which will be issued following a successful inspection. At present there are approximately 250 Riding Establishment 'approved' veterinary surgeons inspecting 2,500 premises annually across England and Wales. An anticipated further 10,000 Livery Yards may ultimately be licensed which will require an initial inspection and then re-inspection every 18 months; it is therefore anticipated that the demand for 'approved' veterinary inspectors will increase considerably. The inspection protocol will involve:

• Initial inspections will be carried out by a Local Authority Inspector accompanied by a veterinary surgeon;
  
• Repeat inspections and re-licensing will take place every 18 months;
  
• Veterinary surgeons will accompany Local Authority Inspectors for every alternate inspection (i.e. every 3 years); the Local Authority Inspector will inspect alone on all other occasions;
  
• Riding Establishments will continue to be inspected and licensed on an annual basis. Any livery provision within these existing riding establishments will be inspected annually at the same time;
  
• Premises that already fall under existing ‘approved’ inspection schemes (e.g. BHS Livery Yards) are likely to qualify for automatic licensing; however BEVA has proposed that they must have 3 year veterinary inspections, in line with other livery yard requirements; and
  
• Provision has been made for more frequent veterinary inspections when necessary, on ‘problem’ yards.

BEVA has also proposed that Livery Yards be asked to present veterinary approved Horse Health Programmes on routine aspects of healthcare such as farriery, dentistry, vaccinations and worming to ensure adequate preventative measures are in place. In order to become an inspector, veterinary surgeons will be required to attend the appropriate RCVS/BVA training course and be accepted onto the Inspection Panel. Local Authority Inspectors will also require appropriate training. Details of the Riding Establishments Training Courses can be obtained from the secretary to the joint RCVS/BVA Committee, Mrs Diana Evans, Ellwood House, Stanton St Quintin, Chippenham, Wilts SN14 6BN or email: [email protected]. A list of inspectorate members can be viewed at www.rcvs.org.uk/ridingestablishments

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