DERBYSHIRE farmers are being warned they could face a fine or imprisonment for dumping animal carcasses after a rise in reports in the county.
Controls were introduced under Animal By-production Regulations to reduce the risk of disease spread following the outbreak of BSE.
Farm animal carcasses must be disposed of in a manner required by the legislation at an approved renderer or incinerator at the cost of the farmer, which could be up to £100 per animal.
In the last three months of 2012, Derbyshire County Council (DCC) dealt with five reports of animal carcasses being dumped illegally across the county, including a dead calf at Peak Forest and a dead calf by the side of the road at Moss Rake Quarry, near Bradwell.
Throughout the whole of 2011, there were just four reports of dead animals being dumped.
Cllr Kevin Parkinson, DCC Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “The controls were introduced to protect the health and safety of the public by preventing the spread of disease and we have a duty to enforce them.
“It is likely that these incidents have occurred in an attempt to save money in difficult economic times but those responsible are breaking the law and could face a fine and imprisonment.
“The owner of the land where the carcasses are dumped not only faces the grim discovery, but may also be responsible for disposal.
“I would urge responsibility in the disposal of dead livestock in accordance with the law and anyone who knows of carcasses being dumped to report it.”
Anyone concerned about animal carcasses not being disposed of correctly, or who need advice, should contact Call Derbyshire on 08456 058 058.
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