Farm News
Animal cruelty
sentences to
be extended
Those who have been found guilty
of animal abuse, including pain
inflicted on livestock, could face
sentences of up to five years.
» » CURRENTLY, THE MAXIMUM
sentence is just six months. But
the government is planning to
bring forward legislation that
will see that increased ten-
fold.
The law would extend to
apply to all animals under the
control of humans.
Environment minister Michael
Gove said: “We are a nation
of animal lovers so we must
ensure that those who commit
the most shocking cruelty
towards animals face suitably
tough punishment.
“These plans will give
courts the tools they have
requested to deal with the
most abhorrent acts. This is
one part of our plan to deliver
world-leading standards of
animal welfare in the years
ahead.”
Photo credit: ITV Meridian
In September it was
announced that CCTV cameras
would be made mandatory in
all slaughterhouses, a move
welcomed by animal welfare
organisations including the
RSPCA.
According to Defra, while there
was an average of 1,150 people a
year convicted of animal cruelty,
fewer than five of these received
the maximum current sentence.
The new legislation will ensure
that those found guilty of the
most heinous crimes will face
maximum time in jail.
Under the new plans, courts
will have the power to hand
out an unlimited fine and ban
offenders from owing an animal
in the future.
A draft legislation for
consultation will be published
at the turn of the year.
STRONG GROWTH FROM STRONG ROOTS FOR F&M
» » THE NORTHERN FARMING FOCUS
remains as strong as ever for insurance
broker, Farmers & Mercantile (F&M)
following a busy year of developments.
A new team and a growing portfolio
of clients has been the catalyst for a
successful 12 months for the Yorkshire
branch of the insurance brokerage which
specialises in the farming industry.
With a client-base stretching from Hull
to the Lake District, and as far north as
Berwick down to Lincolnshire, the Yorkshire
branch focuses on the delivery of tailored
insurance services to meet individual
requirements.
In a year of strong growth, with
the appointment of additional staff to
complement existing consultants, F&M
has a strong, experienced team operating
from its Newby Hall offices, on the
outskirts of the market towns of Ripon and
Boroughbridge.
The business has built a strong heritage
for around 21 years with solid backing
and expertise working with UK regulated
insurers. From large scale farm operations,
right down to smallholdings of just a couple
of acres, it provides independent services
for arable, livestock and estate insurance.
The independent broker also has
privileged access to specialist products
for renewable, rural and diversification
projects. It even has its own in-house claims
department, meaning all clients benefit
from a dedicated claims manager, avoiding
delays and impersonal call centres.
The successful approach of the
business is based around the core
values of practical farming knowledge,
combined with insurance expertise.
Some 95 percent of F&M’s business
is geared to agriculture, and all of
the on-farm advisers have extensive
farming insurance experience, with the
majority also coming from a farming
background.
“Our focus is not just on the product,
but the experience of our team,” explains
branch manager, James Fisher. “We
want to demonstrate there is a viable
alternative that can offer real benefits with
a personalised service, with brokers fully
conversant with the farming industry.”
The commitment to servicing the local
community stretches much further, with
the F&M team actively supporting and
sponsoring local shows, events and
farming societies wherever possible.
For details call 01423 325 354 or email
[email protected]
www.farmers-mart.co.uk Oct/Nov 2017 5