THE European Commission has increased the pressure on those countries still flouting rules governing the welfare of pregnant sows.
France, Cyprus, Greece and Belgium will face the European Court of Justice if they continue to fail to implement EU regulations governing the use of sow stalls.
The countries singled out now have two months to satisfy the Commission of their efforts to comply with the rules.
Yesterday, Alyn Smith, SNP MEP, said: "Infringement proceedings are the most substantial tool in the Commission's box and it is right that those countries still breaking the rules are now facing court action.
"I am disappointed, however, that we have taken over a year to reach this point."
MARKET ROUND-UP
The Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart sold 95 store heifers in Dumfries yesterday to a top of 234p per kg and an average of 198.5p, while 100 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at 240p and levelled at 215.6p.
Twenty-four store, B&W bullocks sold to 150.5p and averaged 140p, while 17 store bulls peaked at 254p and levelled at 186.5p.
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 992 prime hoggs at Ayr yesterday to a top of £95.50 per head and 218.6p per kg to average 191.1p (+7.8p on the week).
The 406 cast sheep forward were £3-£4 sharper on the week, with ewes selling to £106.50 for Texels and £53.50 for Blackfaces.
Harrison & Hetherington Ltd sold 18 prime heifers in Carlisle yesterday to a top of 237.5p and an average of 196.5p (-2.75p), while 19 prime bullocks peaked at 239.5p and levelled at 205.7p (+1.1p).
Thirty-nine prime, beef-bred bulls sold to 222.5p and averaged 184.6p (+1.2p), while 26 prime, dairy-bred bulls peaked at 179.5p and levelled at 143.1p (+8.1p).
In the rough ring, 108 beef cows averaged 123.7p (+0.2p) and 171 dairy cows levelled at 101.1p (-2.5p). Nine bulls averaged 127.5p (N/A).
The firm also sold 1454 prime hoggs to a top of £105.80 and 285.7p to average 192.3p (+6.5p).
Thirty-nine cast sheep sold to £90.50 for Beltex ewes.
Lawrie and Symington Ltd sold some 27 prime heifers in Lanark yesterday to a top of 253p and an average of 214.2p (-8.1p), while 13 prime, beef-bred bullocks peaked at 246p and levelled at 201p (-9.4p).
Eighteen prime, B&W bullocks sold to 169.5p and averaged 152.2p (-5.1p).
In the rough ring, 33 beef cows averaged 106p (-3p) and 31 dairy cows levelled at 84p (+1p).
Sixteen OTM cattle averaged 111p (+2p) and three bulls levelled at 104.7p.
The firm also sold 2399 prime hoggs to a top of £104.50 and 236.8p to average 190.2p (+9.3p).
The 506 cast sheep forward saw ewes sell to £116.50 for Texels and £58.50 for Blackfaces to average £46.18 overall.
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