There has been a sixfold increase in the number of animal health issues dealt with by the Isle of Wight Council in 2025/26 compared to the previous year, with one case of ‘seriously compromised’ welfare.
Speaking at County Hall last week (30th July 2026), senior council officer Michelle Love said it is ‘unfortunate’ that there are ‘financial considerations’ at play in why the tally has surged from four to 24, the latter figure including ongoing enforcement action in one instance.
What trading standards checks
The service director for highways and community protection said the local authority’s trading standards officers go out and check both the quality and quantity of animal feed that farmers use, as well as the welfare conditions in which animals are kept.
She told councillors that farming is an industry under ‘a lot of pressure’, in response to a question on the rise from environment and community protection committee chair, Councillor Karen Lucioni.
One seriously compromised case
Ms Love said,
“There has been a removal of subsidies via the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the UK leaving the European Union.
“We have had some incidents where farmers have potentially not looked after the welfare of their animals in the way they could have done and it has been related back to the financial situation, loss of subsidies etc.
“We did have one particular case of a gentleman whose animals… the welfare of them was seriously compromised.”
More staff, more coverage
Another factor behind the increase in issues dealt with is that the council now has greater coverage with more staff recruited, she explained.
“The Trading Standards team – we are developing a lot of apprentices. We have apprentices working towards their animal health qualifications so we can safeguard our animals and livestock on the Island.”
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
