What we do
Our Environmental Health Service is responsible for enforcing the Animal Health Act 1981 and related legislation concerning animal health and welfare. This work is primarily carried out by a small team of specialist Animal Health Officers based in Inverness and Wick.
Our main functions are:
- To prevent the introduction and control the spread of contagious diseases, including those that pose a risk to human health, such as anthrax, rabies, and tuberculosis.
- To ensure the welfare needs of animals and birds are met.
Visiting livestock markets
Officers visit livestock markets to:
- Maintain high welfare standards for livestock on arrival, during transportation to and from the market.
- Monitor compliance with biosecurity measures aimed at reducing the risk of disease spread.
- Ensure livestock are correctly identified and moved with appropriate paperwork.
- Detect any signs of disease.
Carrying out transit checks
We:
- Stop and inspect vehicles transporting animals, with police support, to uphold animal welfare standards during transit.
- Verify that vehicles are correctly constructed and used for transporting each type of animal.
- Ensure animals are properly identified and accompanied by correct documentation.
Visiting livestock holdings
Officers conduct inspections and provide advice on:
- Farm livestock and veterinary medicine records
- Animal movement licences and passports
- Livestock identification
- Disposal of livestock carcasses
- Construction and cleanliness of livestock vehicles
Other areas of work
Our additional activities include:
- Investigating animal health and welfare complaints
- Assisting with contingency plans to control diseases such as rabies and foot-and-mouth disease
- Investigating imports and exports of animals suspected of breaching regulations
- Inspecting premises with licence conditions, such as catteries, kennels, pet shops, zoos, riding establishments, and premises housing dangerous wild animals
- Providing advice and support on animal health and welfare legislation