Trading Standards are responsible for the enforcement of animal health and welfare legislation relating to the keeping of livestock animals, which includes identification, recording of livestock movements, general welfare, transportation, feeding and the disposal of fallen stock.
We routinely inspect, and investigate complaints, holdings that keep farmed livestock (ie. cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and poultry) and provide advice to keepers where non-compliance has been found.
Where necessary, we will consider taking enforcement action, which may involve issuing a statutory enforcement notice, a financial penalty notice or seeking a prosecution. In extreme cases, we have powers to seize livestock and care for the animals while taking legal action against the owner.
If you find a welfare issue on a farm, report it to us immediately by calling 0808 223 1133.
We are not responsible for the welfare of domestic pets. If you have a concern about a domestic pet, please report it to the RSPCA.
Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
Great Britain has been declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ). By law you must now follow strict biosecurity and hygiene rules to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading.
In addition, as of 6 November 2025, mandatory housing measures were extended to the whole of England.
You must house your birds in England if you keep either:
- more than 50 birds of any species, including poultry and other captive birds
- any number of poultry where they are kept to give away or sell eggs, poultry products or live birds
You do not have to house your birds if you keep less than 50 birds and their eggs or poultry products are for your own use only.
Please visit GOV.UK for the latest situation in England for avian flu and for advice on how to house your birds safely and how to spot and report symptoms.
If your birds show any symptoms of Bird Flu you are required by law to report these to the DEFRA's Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200301 as it is a ‘notifiable disease’.
All keepers of captive birds are required to register their birds, even it’s a couple of hens in the garden, with the exception of birds you keep in your home.
Register as a bird keeper on DEFRA's website.
Reporting dead wild birds
If you spot dead wild birds, you can report them using DEFRA's online service or call the DEFRA helpline on 03459 33 55 77. Reports are triaged by DEFRA and not all birds will be collected. Wild birds are susceptible to a range of diseases and injuries, and most dead birds will not have been infected with avian influenza.
Whilst the risk of Bird Flu passing to humans is low, please do not to touch dead wild birds, their feathers, droppings etc. If you do, wash your hands thoroughly with hot soap and water.
Bluetongue virus
Bluetongue (BTV) is a viral disease which affects ruminants (such as cattle, sheep, goats, and deer) and camelids (such as alpacas and llamas).
The Bluetongue restricted zone now covers the whole of cover all of England. You can now move animals within England without a specific bluetongue licence or pre-movement testing.
Please visit GOV.UK for the latest situation in England for Bluetongue and current government advice.
Bluetongue virus is a ‘notifiable disease’ which means livestock keepers have a legal obligation to report any signs of the disease in their stock to DEFRA immediately on 03000 200 301 or the BTV hotline on 024 7771 0386.
It does not pose a risk to public health or food safety.
Symptoms vary depending on the type of animal. Find out how to spot and report Bluetongue.
Keepers are also advised to register all pieces of land where their animals are kept – find out how to register land.
Further useful information can be found at:
Advice and guidance
Business Companion provides a wide range of animal and agriculture guides covering the law on the welfare of livestock, including transport, diseases, animal feed and disposal of animal by-products and dead animals. The GOV.UK website also provides guidance and advice on keeping farmed animals and animal welfare.