Competition is the best way to cut the cost of disposing of dead animals
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Thursday March 11 2010
COMMENTING on the findings of an extensive, countrywide IFA survey of collection charges for fallen animals, Animal Health Project Team leader John Waters said farmers are seeing the benefits of competition in some areas, with more realistic fees being charged.
He said that based on the survey results, there are large differences between what farmers have to pay to have their animals collected.
"The results show that the significant reduction in rendering costs allows for realistic collection rates to be charged, with some animal collectors in a position to collect animals under six months for €10, animals from 6-12 months for €25, and 1248 month animals for €60," he said.
Mr Waters said that, in areas where the Minister for Agriculture has failed to provide competition, farmers are being exposed to exorbitant rates for the collection of their animals.
"The minister is obliged under the animal by-products regulations to provide a costeffective means of disposal of fallen animals. The rates charged to some farmers are in no way cost effective and are a direct result of profiteering by knackeries. Until effective competition is available in all areas, the minister must protect farmers from the excessive rates that apply in some areas by imposing a maximum charge allowable for the collection of fallen animals in line with the lowest rates currently available. In areas where it is not possible to avail of the most competitive rates, licensed on-farm burial must be facilitated," he declared.
