Guidance

Animal gathering inspection

Information for collection centre and showground owners about inspections carried out on sites where livestock are gathered.

• From: Animal and Plant Health Agency
• Published: 12 January 2016
• Last updated: 17 June 2019 — See all updates

Who gets inspected

You’ll only be inspected if you submit an application or renewal to act as a collection centre or show ground. Most inspections are on dedicated (non-farm) sites such as public land used for shows.

If you’re renewing your application, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) will carry out a risk assessment to decide if an inspection is necessary.

What gets inspected

Sites applying for an animal gathering permit are inspected at the time of application. The inspector assesses the site’s suitability for the gathering, including:

• surfaces capable of being cleaned and disinfected
• the level of separation from neighbouring animal activity

Time and length

Inspections take 1 to 4 hours. A meeting time is agreed with the site operator.

Approvals last one year.

What happens next

APHA inspectors copy relevant documents, such as the licence, to the local council with a recommended compliance and inspection regime.

There may be follow-up inspections, which are normally carried out by your local authority.

Most problems can be solved by the inspectors giving you advice. If you’ve broken any rules you may be referred to the local authority for potential investigation.

Published 12 January 2016
Last updated 17 June 2019 + show all updates

1. 17 June 2019

   Welsh translation added

2. 12 January 2016

   First published.