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There are estimated to be some 7,000 persons using Smithfield Market daily, which figure
includes:—
approximately 600 porters licensed by the Superintendent of the Market, including some 120
freelance porters popularly known as "bummarees".
some 200 pitchers who arrive at the Market with the various meat vans, unload the vehicles
and leave the Market again on the vans.
tenants' staffs, buyers and their staffs.
there are 357 stalls on the Market occupied by approximately 110 tenants.
DISEASES OF ANIMALS ACT, 1963 AND ASSOCIATED ACTS
Mr. G.S. Wiggins, M.R.C.V.S., Veterinary Officer for the City of London, has submitted the
following report:—
"With the administration of the Diseases of Animals Act in regard to the importation of
animals the responsibility of the Corporation for the whole of Greater London under the terms of
the London Government Act 1963 and the fact that the Corporation has acted for a number of
London Boroughs for the remainder of the functions of the Diseases of Animals Act on an Agency
basis, the first full year of working has been one of "feeling the way". From the 1st December the
Borough of Bromley (a Borough of some 61 square miles) joined the Corporation agency scheme
and with the Boroughs already in the scheme, make a total of 16 Boroughs for whom the Corporation
is acting on an agency basis.
Apart from your Veterinary Officer, the staff has comprised two Diseases of Animals Act
Inspectors, two clerical Officers plus Mr. J.A. Morris, M.R,C.V.S. as part time Veterinary Officer.
The following is a resume of the work carried out during the year: —
Some 2,360 routine visits have been made to various premises which include Riding Establishments,
Animal Boarding Establishments, Pet Animals Shops, Theatres. Kosher Butchers,
Poulterers, Abattoirs, Farms, Piggeries, Street Markets etc. and action taken as found necessary
under the various Acts and Orders.
Riding Establishments Act 1964
Under the provisions of this Act visits of inspection have been made to 35 riding establishments
with a view to suitability for licencing and reports submitted to the appropriate London
Boroughs.
Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963
Thirteen animal boarding establishments have been visited regularly on behalf of four London
Boroughs, whilst in accordance with the terms of individual agency agreements other Boroughs
only require the services of the Corporation Veterinary Officer under this Act in a consultative
or advisory capacity.
Pet Animals Act 1951
The position here is similar to the Animal Boarding Establishments Act, routine visits only
being carried out on behalf of the London Boroughs of Tower Hamlets (which includes Club Row,
the popular Sunday morning market), Wandsworth and Sutton.
Performing Animals (Regulations) Act 1925
Seventeen certificates of registration were issued to applicants having performing animals
in their productions. This included theatres, circuses etc.
Live Poultry (Restrictions) Order 1957
To enable the holding of live poultry shows and to conform to the terms of the above Order,
seven licences were issued on behalf of the Boroughs of Barking, Tower Hamlets, Sutton and
Hammersmith.
Animals (Sea Transport) Order 1930
In connection with the exportation of animals visits were made to docks within the area of
Tower Hamlets, for whom the Corporation act, to ensure that the terms of the above Order were
complied with. The animals comprised Hereford and Jersey Cattle and several consignments of
pigs being exported for breeding purposes.
Diseases of Animals Act — Importations
During the year numerous visits were made to London Airport (Heathrow) in connection with
the illegal entry of animals into this country. In all 96 notices were served on owners directing
them to place their animals into quarantine kennels. Apart from the above a number of irregularities
were dealt with in which animals escaped whilst in transhipment, being carried in unsatisfactory
containers etc. Incidents also occurred of dogs escaping whilst in transit at two of
London's main line termini.
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