Pembrokeshire sheep farmers are facing a 'massive increase in unnecessary red tape' since new sheep movement rules became law this month, according to the Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW).

The new law, which came into effect on Wednesday, April 5th, means farmers are now legally required to have separate individual holding numbers for land more than five miles from their main holding and will have to report all sheep movements between those holdings.

"These new rules represent a massive increase in unnecessary red tape and are a hammer blow to farmers," said FUW president Gareth Vaughan.

"In practical terms these new rules will multiply by many times the amount of paperwork that farmers have to put with," he added. "It will also mean animals having to be tagged for routine movements between holdings, with the potential to impact on animal welfare.

"We are assured that a practical solution is still being sought and during meetings with the Assembly, significant progress was made on this issue," added Mr Vaughan.

All farmers unsure whether they need new holding numbers should contact their local Assembly divisional office at Carmarthen on 01267 225300.

For more on this story, see April's edition of Pembrokeshire Farmer, out now. If you do not already receive a copy free through the post, call 01437 761789 to be added to the mailing list. Copies are also available at agricultural outlets.