A warning has gone out to local agricultural show organisers to ensure they have adhered to animal health regulations or face having to cancel their events.
The warning comes after Llanbister Show was cancelled this weekend because the show site wasn’t cleared of livestock in sufficient time.
But shows throughout Montgomeryshire could be affected over the coming weeks and months if organisers fail to ensure the land they are held on isn’t cleared of livestock at least 21 days before the event and visible animal droppings are not removed.
Cabinet Member for Environmental Health, Councillor John Powell said: “The public and animal health rules are not new, they have been in operation for more than 10 years following foot and mouth and E.coli outbreaks.
“Failure to comply with legislation could result in enforcement action and will almost certainly result in an event’s public liability insurance not being valid.
“Taking the appropriate action is not a case meeting red tape, but acting responsibly and making sure the public and animal health are not put at risk.”
He added: “The Farming and Countryside Code of Practice, which is supported by a number of national organisations including the NFU, stipulates that livestock are removed from an event site a minimum of 21 days before the event and that visible droppings are removed from the area.
“Having a site heavily contaminated with animal faeces is not only unpleasant for visitors it presents a significant health risk, particularly for children.
“It is the responsibility of event organisers to make sure their event fully complies with all relevant public health and animal health legislation.
“The county council’s Environmental Health service conducted an awareness campaign in 2013 to remind organisations of their responsibilities. Advice is also available on the council’s website, from the HSE and from a number government agencies.
“The department have advised many event organisers over the years and if there are any event organisers who still have concerns they are welcome to contact the Environmental Health Service who are available to provide advice on specific circumstances.”
