Changes to SOAs in Wales

18th July 2013

In a move that echoes what happened in England just over 12 months ago, the Welsh Government, without any warning, has announced no new SOAs will be granted in the future. New SOAs have not been available in England since 1st July 2012, and will not be available in Wales from 1st November 2013. The abolition of SOAs in Wales had been discussed as part of the wider reform to the CPH system, but stopping the creation of new SOAs before that reform takes placed was not expected and suggests sheep keepers are ‘collateral damage’ in changes being made as a result of the current TB situation. Several stakeholders involved in the Welsh Working Smarter Livestock Identification Advisory Group have voiced their dissatisfaction about the lack of discussion ahead of this change being made. Please find the Welsh Government’s information note regarding the change below.