This concerns ownership of the reactor animal, as presented to an abattoir as a TB reactor and the intention of Defra to swipe farmer compensation if the animal is presented in what is described as 'an unclean' state..
We are all aware of harrowing tales of herd restrictions meaning overcrowding, inadequate housing and lack of income, leading to animals being in less than pristine condition for slaughter for human consumption, should that need arise.
But after a reactor is identified, it is Defra (or APHA) who organise slaughter, arrange transport and then present the animal for slaughter. And it is Defra who receive monies from the abattoir for the carcase. This is known as 'salvage'. In due course, the farmer is then paid the derisory tabular compensation he is owed for the animal he has in effect 'sold' to the Ministry.
So, at the time of presentation of the reactor for slaughter, is not responsibility for its cleanliness that of the present owner? ie. Defra?
And when does that 'ownership' begin?
Is it, for example, when the green DNA Reactor tag is applied? Thus several days or in some cases, weeks before it leaves the farm?
Conversely, it may be when it boards its Ministry arranged transport, complete with passport, for its final journey?
But either way, on arrival at the abattoir, the reactor animal does not belong to the farmer, it is Defra's. And thus it could be argued that its condition as 'fit to slaughter' is Defra's responsibility too.
Just a thought....
The alternative of course, is on farm slaughter, in which case, no salvage monies would be payable to Defra at all.
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