Dr Christianne Glossop, Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales has welcomed the criminal conviction by Llanelli Magistrates Court of a farmer for trying to falsify the results of a bovine TB test.
Mr W T Organ of Penrhiwdilfa, Gwernogle, Carmarthen pleaded guilty on Monday, 25 January 2010 to 14 offences under the Tuberculosis (Wales) Order 2006 and the Animal Health Act 1981. He was fined a total of £12,600 for these offences and also ordered to pay Welsh Assembly Government legal costs of £3,000.
Mr Organ pleaded guilty to 14 charges of interfering with bovine TB tests between September 2007 and January 2008.
Christianne Glossop said:
“I am very disappointed that this court case ever had to take place. I hope this behaviour is an isolated incident, as it is completely unacceptable and could jeopardise the Welsh Assembly Government’s chance of eradicating bovine TB. As such, I very much welcome the court’s decision.
“I know that most farmers will be appalled by the actions of Mr Organ. Those farmers realise that everyone must play their part if we are to succeed in our efforts to eradicate the disease.
“Bovine TB is a huge problem in Wales, and any attempt to undermine our eradication programme will not be tolerated. We will pursue through the courts, if necessary, any attempt to falsify the results of TB testing which is vital to our efforts to stamp out this disease.
“Our TB Eradication Programme is comprehensive with a strong focus on cattle surveillance and controls as well as tackling the disease in wildlife.”
A consultation on amending legislation that would allow the Welsh Assembly Government to cut compensation levels to farmers who do not comply with bovine TB legislation is also currently taking place.
