The enforcement of general protections for the welfare of decapod crustaceans - Find a freedom of information request

Information regarding the enforcement of general protections for the welfare of decapod crustaceans during transport and at the time of killing.  

In relation to each of the questions asked, please take any reference to 'WATEO' to mean:  

The Welfare of Animals (Transport) (England) Order 2006  

In relation to each of the questions asked, please take any reference to 'WATOK' to include:  

The Welfare of Animals at the Time of Killing (England) Regulations 2015   

1. Which department or agency is responsible for the enforcement of a) WATEO and b) WATOK? 

2. What roles within the authority are designated to enforce a) WATEO and b) WATOK, and what formal training, if any, is provided to those roles to ensure the Council's enforcement obligations are fulfilled?  

3. Does the authority hold any records on the number of decapod crustaceans transported within or into the authority since 2022? If so, please provide available figures, broken down by year. 

4. Does the authority maintain a register or licensing scheme for businesses selling live decapods? If so, how many businesses are currently registered?   

5. Since 2022, how many reports has the authority received that relate to potential offences under Article 4 of WATEO? Please provide separate figures for each year.  

6. Since 2022, how many reports has the authority received that relate to potential offences under Schedule 4 of WATOK? Please provide separate figures for each year.   

7. Does the authority have any policies relating to the sale of live decapods on Council-owned land, including markets. 

7. Has the authority issued any guidance relating to adherence to a) WATEO and b) WATOK for i) Officers responsible for inspections and enforcement or ii) businesses subject to the regulations?  

1. WATOK – the Food Standards Agency is responsible for enforcing these regulations within slaughterhouses. Outside of slaughterhouses Trading Standards are responsible for the enforcement, supported by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

2. Within Lincolnshire County Council, Lincolnshire Trading Standards are designated to enforce WATEO and WATOK (excluding slaughterhouses). This is undertaken by Trading Standards Officers. Some Trading Standards Offices have completed formal qualifications in Animal Health. The qualification framework for Animal Health is set nationally by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute; however, it is not a legal requirement to be qualified to undertake Animal Health and Welfare enforcement.

3. No records held.

4. No. Businesses selling food must register with Lincolnshire Trading Standards as a Food Business Operator. This is not searchable specifically for business selling live decapods.

5. None received in relation to decapod crustaceans.

6. None received in relation to decapod crustaceans.

7. No.

8. In relation to decapod crustaceans, no.