ACTION to prevent the illegal movement of livestock during the foot-and-mouth crisis is to be stepped up.
The trading standards team in North Yorkshire is joining forces with the police to mounting a county-wide joint patrol dedicated to checking vehicles carrying livestock and examining their documentation.
There have been numerous complaints made and great concern expressed about the illegal movement of animals which could lead to a spread in foot-and-mouth disease.
The new patrol has two aims - catching those who break the rules and deterring people who may be thinking of doing so.
Stuart Pudney, the county's head of Trading Standards and Regulatory Services, said: "This move is a direct response to the concerns of the public and farming community.
"We welcome the assistance of the North Yorkshire Police in ensuring that the rules are adhered to. Instances where anyone is found breaching transport rules will be taken very seriously."
l Farmers get rebate: Page 5
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