Animal Health and Welfare Officer

Our Animal Health and Welfare Officer (AHWO) helps protect the health and wellbeing of livestock across South Lanarkshire. We work with farmers, hauliers, and manufacturers of animal feed to prevent disease, support good animal care, and make sure legal responsibilities are met.

What we do

The AHWO’s main job is to stop contagious diseases from entering or spreading between farms. We do this by visiting farms, livestock markets and transporters to check that animals are healthy, cared for and correctly recorded. This helps protect both animals and people and reduces the impact of notifiable diseases during an outbreak.

We also make sure animals are fit to travel, properly identified and kept in good conditions at markets. After each market, we check that premises and vehicles have been cleaned and disinfected.

Farm and market visits

During visits, we check that farmers keep accurate records of animal movements, breeding and transport. These records help trace animals quickly if disease is found.

We also respond to reports about dead farm animals and other animal by‑products. When needed, we give advice on how these must be stored, handled or disposed of safely.

Support and enforcement

Our AHWO works closely with government vets to give practical advice on good animal husbandry. This includes helping farmers understand what they must do during a disease outbreak.

If we find serious issues that put animal welfare or public health at risk, we report these to the Procurator Fiscal.

Get in touch

If you need advice about animal health, disease control or animal welfare, you can contact Consumer and Trading Standards. They can help you speak to the Animal Health and Welfare Officer or direct you to the right support.