after FMD says Commission
In the seven month period of extensive culling across the British Isles last year the Meat and Livestock Commission says that the overall number destroyed was probably nearer 10.8 million than the Government estimate of just over four million.
On the day that country was declared free of the disease the commission said that there were six million animals not included in the official totals. These animals were said to be those which were slaughtered for welfare reasons or killed with their mothers or because they were killed after the disease closed the market for them.
Jane OConnor of the MLC also said that at least 1.2 million lambs were killed at foot along with 500,000 destroyed in the light lamb disposal and because they were considered unsaleable.
Last year the first dog shows - mainly those using agricultural venues - were cancelled in late February, throughout the Spring and early Summer resulting in many re-scheduled shows last Autumn.
According to Kennel Club figures 618 shows were cancelled in total with 348 re-scheduled. Crufts 2001 was cancelled on March 1st., just seven days before the show and held in May over the Late Spring Bank Holiday weekend.