Farmers are being warned in the wake of the introduction of new legislation which brings choice to issue fixed penalty notices to various animal health and welfare offences.

Animal and livestock owners could see penalties of up to £5,000, commencing from January 1. While severe animal welfare violations are still set to be processed through courts.

According to Defra, fines could be imposed for a range of offences such as repeated overdue bovine TB testing or violating avian influenza housing orders.

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The new legislation provides an individual with the chance to avoid prosecution for an alleged criminal charge by paying a fee and rectifying the concern.

These notices will join the existing enforcement measures which include warning letters, statutory notices, and movement restrictions.

Yet the department emphasised that advice and guidance will continue to be the leading means of enforcement.

Douglas-Miller, Defra's animal welfare minister, stated: “I know the majority of animal owners recognise the importance of these rules, but it is vital that tough enforcement steps are taken when those rules are broken.”

“I welcome penalty notices as an additional tool for our partners to use to encourage compliance with the law.”

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The RSPCA praised the implementation of fixed penalty notices, considering it a “valuable tool for policing administrative and technical offences related to animals.”

RSPCA public affairs manager Lee Gingell, commented: “The RSPCA welcomes steps that broaden the toolkit of local authorities to promote best practice and protect animals within their communities.”

“It is encouraging to hear that the UK government will now issue thorough guidance and work with local authorities on these changes.”