Document type: article published by Millavois.com
Author: Millavois
Preview: As part of its actions to promote animal welfare, the Aveyron authorities have introduced a local preventive unit to anticipate situations in livestock farming that can affect animal welfare. This initiative, which was set up in response to the 2016-2020 French National Plan, is intended to provide early detection of livestock farmers in difficulty and prevent situations from developing that could adversely affect animal welfare. The scheme comprises an emergency unit, managed by the Direction Départementale de l'Emploi, du Travail, des Solidarités et de la Protection des Populations (DDETSPP), and a prevention unit run by the Aveyron Chamber of Agriculture.
Purpose and operation of the prevention unit
The main purpose of the prevention unit is to spot distress signals from livestock farmers before problems reach a critical level. Challenges such as the vagaries of the weather, cash flow problems, work overload or health problems can affect farmers' ability to care for their animals, leading to situations of abuse or involuntary neglect. The prevention unit works in close collaboration with various bodies and agents in the field, including the MSA, farming unions, veterinary surgeons and the Gendarmerie. A steering committee meets annually under the aegis of the Aveyron Prefect and the President of the Chamber of Agriculture to oversee prevention actions. In addition, a technical committee meets several times a year to deal with reports received, which are strictly confidential and submitted only with the agreement of the farmers involved.
Results and assessment of actions taken
Since it was set up, the prevention unit has dealt with around fifty situations in the first two years. Of these, two were redirected to the emergency unit due to the seriousness of the situation, while thirteen saw a significant improvement, enabling a return to normal breeding conditions. Around thirty cases still require follow-up. The success of this system is based on a proactive, coordinated approach, combining technical, regulatory and health monitoring of farms. Preventive action helps to limit the seriousness of situations, by intervening before problems worsen.
To report situations of concern or obtain assistance, the Aveyron livestock prevention unit can be contacted by telephone on 05 65 73 78 07 or by e-mail at cellule-prevention-elevage@aveyron.chambagri.fr.
