PROPOSED legislation in the wake of the foot-and-mouth crisis could result in the unnecessary slaughter of livestock and household pets, a farmer claims.

Nicola Morris says her livestock narrowly missed the foot-and-mouth cull after she discovered a mistake had been made by DEFRA.

She fears the planned Animal Health Amendment Bill will prevent animal owners from objecting to or appealing against their slaughter.

She claimed the legislation, which is aimed at stemming the spread of animal disease by speeding up culls, would even mean pet dogs could be destroyed to stop the spread of rabies. This would apply even if the animals had had vaccinations against the killer disease.

"The Bill will give the Government the power to slaughter any animal whether or not it is infected in the name of disease control," said Mrs Morris, of Eatons Farm, Tibberton.

"When we were told our stock were to be culled during foot-and-mouth. We resisted and now have a letter from DEFRA accepting it was wrong. But, under the legislation, we would not have been able to resist and our livestock would have been killed for no reason.

"What people may not realise is that the same could happen to their pets if there was a disease that affected household pets."

Worcester MP Mike Foster said he sympathised with Mrs Morris, but stressed the Bill was aimed at containing diseases more effectively. This, he added, would result in fewer livestock being killed and less stress for breeders.

The MP, who rejected Mrs Morris's claims about household pets, said the Bill would still have processes of appeal against animals being destroyed.

"People will not just walk up to owners and shoot animals. There will be a process of appeal," he said.

"The Bill aims to give more power to ensure the swifter and more effective action against diseases.

"One of the main problems during the foot-and-mouth epidemic was the delays in having suspected animals slaughtered. This allowed it to spread. With stronger powers to contain disease, fewer animals will be culled meaning less stress for breeders.