Bistrița-Năsăud authorities report 3,198 missing sheep

Authorities in Bistrița-Năsăud, Romania, have reported the disappearance of 3,198 sheep following a series of intensive inspections at various livestock farms over the last two months. A joint control team, including representatives from the Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Directorate (DSVSA), police, and tax authorities, conducted these checks to prevent illegal animal movement and ensure compliance with health regulations.

Inspectors found that many farm owners could not provide documentation regarding the traceability of their animals, such as records of sale, slaughter, or death. While some owners claimed animals had been moved to other locations, subsequent checks failed to locate them, suggesting unauthorized transfers without legal movement documents.

In response to the findings, 32 fines totaling 58,900 lei were issued. The list of non-compliant farms has been forwarded to the County Administration of Public Finance (AJFP) to investigate potential tax evasion. Officials warned that these illegal practices, including the failure to report illnesses or deaths, threaten the national zootechnical sector and could hinder animal trade and exports within the European Union.