The EU Animal By-Products Regulation, which banned the routine on-farm burial and burning of animal carcases, came in to force on 1 May 2003. In response to this the Government and industry conceived the idea of a fallen stock scheme, run by an independent company with some Government funding.

The Government is providing 310 million in the first year to allow the National Fallen Stock Company to pay 30 percent of the costs of collection of fallen farmed stock.

The Scheme will give livestock owners access to a guaranteed, nationwide, biosecure collection service at reasonable prices. There will be an annual subscription fee of 328 for livestock farmers. Individual horse owners will able to join for 315, as they are likely to use the Scheme less.

To find out how to register ring 0845 054 8888.

Source: Defra - 22nd November 2004