South Norfolk MP Richard Bacon has asked Environment Secretary Hilary Benn to lift the current ban on moving pigs to allow them to go to slaughter.

Mr Bacon is joining local farmers in urging the government to exempt pigs from the current movement ban because of growing fears for the animals’ welfare.

The current foot and mouth crisis in Surrey has led to a national ban on the movement of livestock, which particularly affects Norfolk pig producers and meat processors.
 

Mr Bacon said: “We must avoid a repeat of the dreadful animal welfare crisis which hit this region during the swine fever outbreak seven years ago.”

“I have written to Environment Secretary Hilary Benn urging him to lift the movement ban for pigs and to allow them to go to slaughterhouses under strict licence.”

“South Norfolk produces some of the best pork in the country and I want to see this continue”.

9 August 2007