The State Veterinary Service (SVS) carries out inspections on farms to check that welfare legislation and codes are being followed. In addition to spot checks and planned visits, the SVS follows up all complaints and allegations of poor welfare on specific farms as a matter of urgency. In 2005, the SVS carried out 6,123 on-farm welfare inspections. This compares with 5,431 welfare inspections carried out in 2004.
From 1 January 2007, cross-compliance inspections will include checks on the welfare of farmed animals. Most farms will be selected on a risk basis, ensuring that those with a higher risk of not meeting legislative standards are more likely to be selected for inspection. This is in line with DEFRA’s Better Regulation policy, to reduce burdens on the majority of farmers who do comply with the law.