Do I have to accept the valuation?

Information related to the acceptance of a Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) valuation for a Tuberculosis (TB) reactor animal.

No. If you fail to agree a market value with DARD within three working days you must sign the BT29 form indicating that you have declined the DARD valuation. You then have the option to choose an Independent Valuer (IV) from an approved list, which will be provided to you by the DARD valuer. You must select and notify DARD of your choice of IV within 2 working days of being offered the DARD list of IVs. You must make your own arrangements for this independent valuation to be carried out. You will be responsible for any costs, fees or other expenses incurred by the IV selected by you, in carrying out this valuation. If you fail to inform DARD of your nomination within the 2 working days DARD will determine the value of the animal(s) and proceed to remove the animals for slaughter.

If you have nominated an IV within the 2 days, your chosen IV should carry out the assessment and provide both you and DARD with written confirmation of his valuation.

You must ensure that DARD receives the Independent Valuation, in writing from the IV, within 8 working days of your nomination.

If this does not occur, DARD will determine the value of the animal(s) and proceed to slaughter. Note that any independent valuation carried out is not final and binding, and may be appealed by either DARD or the owner of the animal(s). Should the timescales outlined in the preceding paragraphs not be complied with, it will not infringe your right to appeal the valuation. However, slaughter will proceed irrespective of whether an appeal is being made by you or DARD.